The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), one of the most powerful and wealthiest cricket boards globally, elected former player and advocate Devajit Saikia as its new secretary on Sunday. Saikia was the sole nominee for the position.
“Devajit Saikia is declared duly elected as the Secretary of BCCI,” the board announced in a statement.
Saikia, 55, succeeds Jay Shah, who recently vacated the post to assume the role of chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the global governing body for cricket.
In addition, the BCCI named businessman and state cricket administrator Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as its new treasurer.
Saikia’s Journey to BCCI Leadership
Jay Shah’s departure to the ICC last month paved the way for Saikia’s appointment. Previously serving as the BCCI’s interim secretary, Saikia’s administrative career has deep roots in state-level cricket.
Saikia began his journey in cricket administration as the general secretary of a cricket club in Assam, working under Himanta Biswa Sarma, now the chief minister of Assam and a prominent member of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
His political connections grew over the years, and he was later appointed Assam’s advocate general, the state government’s top legal advisor, during Sarma’s leadership.
A Modest Playing Career
As a cricketer, Saikia’s playing career was unremarkable. A wicketkeeper-batsman, he represented Assam in four first-class matches, scoring just 53 runs. However, his administrative acumen and political ties have positioned him as a significant figure in Indian cricket governance.
The election of Saikia, who shares close ties with the BJP, underscores the political and administrative influence that shapes Indian cricket.
