Jay Shah’s potential move to the International Cricket Council (ICC) as Chairman has sparked speculation about his successor as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary. With Shah’s term ending in October 2025, the BCCI faces the task of finding a suitable replacement.
Among the potential candidates is Rajiv Shukla, the current BCCI Vice-President. Shukla, a Congress MP in the Rajya Sabha, could be asked to take on the role for a year. Another contender is Ashish Shelar, the BCCI Treasurer and a prominent figure in Maharashtra BJP. However, Shelar’s political commitments may limit his availability.
Arun Dhumal, the IPL Chairman, possesses the necessary experience to lead the BCCI. He has previously served as Treasurer and now heads the lucrative Indian Premier League. A swap of roles between Dhumal and Shukla could be a viable option.
Devajit ‘Lon’ Saikia, the BCCI Joint Secretary, is another potential candidate. While not as well-known, he plays a crucial role in the current BCCI administration.
Younger administrators such as Rohan Jaitley, the DDCA President, and Avishek Dalmiya, the former CAB President, could also be considered. Other young state unit officials include Dilsher Khanna (Punjab), Vipul Phadke (Goa), and Prabhtej Bhatia (Chattisgarh).
The possibility of a completely new face taking over the top job cannot be ruled out. However, the BCCI’s power structure typically favors individuals who have been part of the system.
