NEW DELHI, Jan 12: Devajit Saikia’s and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia’s unanimous choices election as the secretary and treasurer, respectively, of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was formalised during the BCCI’s Special General Meeting (SGM) on Sunday.
With Saikia, the incumbent joint-secretary, and Bhatia, who has earlier served as a councillor, being lone candidates in their respective categories, there was no need for a ballot vote. Election officer A.K. Joti formally appointed the duo as office-bearers in the SGM that lasted 10 minutes.
The need for election had arisen since Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar had to vacate their posts for varied reasons. While Shah resigned on becoming the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Mr Shelar had to step down immediately after being sworn-in as a Minister in Maharashtra’s cabinet last month.
The BCCI will now have to conduct an election for joint-secretary’s post in the next 45 days, with Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) vice-president Sanjay Naik being a front-runner to fill in till the AGM later this year.
Saikia played four Ranji Trophy games for Assam in 1990-91. However, he has had a glittering career ever since stepping into the Assam Cricket Association in 2016. He has been instrumental in developing the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Being the Attorney General for the Government of Assam, his proximity with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is also well-known. He will have to strike a delicate balance along with national selectors with regard to India’s men’s team’s transition in Tests and ODIs in the coming months.
Bhatia, a young entrepreneur whose family is in liquor business, is no stranger to BCCI administration. Besides having served as a councillor for three years, he has his father’s rich experience to bank on. Bhatia Sr. — Baldev Singh — has been instrumental in Chhattisgarh attaining BCCI’s full membership in 2016.
(Manas Dasgupta)
