Devajit Saikia Appointed Acting Secretary of BCCI

Former Assam cricketer Devajit Saikia has been named the acting secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), filling the vacancy left by Jay Shah, who recently assumed the role of International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman. The decision was taken by BCCI president Roger Binny, exercising his constitutional powers. Saikia’s appointment is a stop-gap arrangement until a permanent secretary is appointed under the BCCI’s constitution.

Jay Shah’s Legacy as BCCI Secretary

Tenure Highlights

Jay Shah, who served as the BCCI secretary from October 2019, brought significant reforms during his tenure. He emphasized:

• Improvement in Domestic Cricket: Focused on strengthening grassroots cricket in India.
• Equal Pay Scale Initiative: Ensured parity in pay scales between male and female cricketers, a landmark decision promoting gender equality in sports.

Transition to ICC Chairman

Jay Shah took over as ICC chairman on December 1, 2024, leaving the BCCI secretary position vacant. His leadership in Indian cricket earned global recognition, culminating in his elevation to the top administrative role in world cricket.

Devajit Saikia’s Appointment

Role and Responsibilities

Saikia, who previously served as the joint secretary of BCCI, has now been entrusted with the role of acting secretary. His appointment was made under Clause 7(1)(d) of the BCCI Constitution, which grants the board president authority to make interim appointments.

Roger Binny’s Statement

BCCI president Roger Binny utilized his constitutional powers to address the temporary vacancy, appointing Saikia as a reliable choice to oversee the board’s functions until a permanent replacement is named. In a letter to Saikia, Binny cited the constitutional clause and acknowledged the urgency of maintaining leadership continuity.

A Trusted Administrator

As a former cricketer and administrator, Saikia brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His previous stint as joint secretary provided him with an in-depth understanding of BCCI’s operations, making him an ideal candidate for this interim position.

BCCI Leadership Transition

Stop-Gap Arrangement

The decision to appoint Saikia is a temporary solution aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of the BCCI. As per the constitution, a permanent secretary will be appointed through the established regulatory process.

Future Prospects

The leadership transition comes at a crucial time for Indian cricket, with several key decisions pending, including preparations for upcoming tournaments and further reforms in domestic cricket.

Impact on Indian Cricket

The leadership change at BCCI reflects the organization’s commitment to maintaining seamless operations. Saikia’s appointment ensures that the board remains stable during this transitional phase. Meanwhile, Jay Shah’s move to the ICC highlights India’s growing influence in global cricket governance.

Summary of News: Devajit Saikia Appointed Acting BCCI Secretary