Devajit Saikia Elected as New BCCI Secretary, Replacing Jay Shah

TDT | Manama

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has elected former cricketer and advocate Devajit Saikia as its new secretary. Saikia was the only nominee for the position and was officially declared elected during the board's meeting on Sunday. His appointment comes after Jay Shah vacated the post to assume his new role as chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport’s global governing body.

In an official statement, the BCCI confirmed, "Devajit Saikia is declared duly elected as the Secretary of BCCI." The 55-year-old has a background both in cricket and law and has close ties with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The BCCI also announced the appointment of Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, a businessman and state cricket administrator, as the new treasurer.

Saikia's Journey from Assam Cricket to BCCI Leadership

Saikia, who has served as interim secretary of the BCCI since Jay Shah’s departure, began his cricket administration career in Assam, his home state. He was general secretary of a local cricket club under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, now the Chief Minister of Assam and a prominent BJP leader.

Both Sarma and Saikia later held leadership roles in the Assam Cricket Association, strengthening Saikia’s position in the cricket administration circuit. When Sarma became the Chief Minister, he appointed Saikia as Advocate General, making him the government's top legal advisor.

From Modest Cricket Career to Top Administrator

A former wicketkeeper-batsman, Saikia had a brief first-class cricket career, playing four matches for Assam and scoring just 53 runs. Despite his limited success on the field, his legal and administrative skills have helped him rise to the top of Indian cricket governance.

Saikia’s close political affiliations with the BJP are seen as a significant factor in his ascent within the BCCI. His appointment marks another chapter in the increasingly politicized landscape of Indian cricket administration.

Jay Shah’s move to the ICC is expected to strengthen India’s influence on the global cricket stage, with Saikia now tasked with managing domestic affairs for the world's wealthiest cricket board.