Power Talks in Delhi Over Next BCCI President: Decision Expected Soon

As the Indian cricketing fraternity looks ahead to the all-important BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 28, all eyes are on Delhi, where key discussions are underway that could determine the future leadership of Indian cricket’s most powerful body.

According to CricketMan2 sources, an informal but influential meeting is set to take place on Saturday night (September 20) at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This gathering is expected to shape the roadmap for the next BCCI president and other key office-bearers. The presence of senior BCCI officials and political power brokers suggests this will be a decisive moment for the board.

Familiar Names, New Speculations

Several high-profile names are reportedly in the mix for the presidency, including Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, Raghuram Bhatt, and Kiran More. While none of these are confirmed, insiders believe that this meeting could seal the deal on who will eventually succeed current president Roger Binny, whose term is nearing completion.

• Sourav Ganguly, former India captain and ex-BCCI president, remains a strong contender, though it is unclear if he will be invited to Saturday’s key meeting.

• Harbhajan Singh, another ex-India stalwart, has emerged as a surprise dark horse, with whispers of growing support in cricketing and political circles.

• Raghuram Bhatt, the former Karnataka and India Test cricketer, is another name being floated in internal circles.

• Kiran More, former India wicketkeeper and selector, may seem like a long shot due to his absence from the current electoral list. However, as per the September 6 notification from BCCI electoral officer A.K. Joti, associations can still modify their nominations until September 19 — leaving the door open for surprises.

Despite his current ineligibility, More’s potential candidacy illustrates how fluid the situation remains, especially with political and cricketing figures working behind the scenes to finalize a consensus candidate.

The BJP's Role: Subtle Yet Significant

Though the ruling BJP does not overtly interfere in the internal operations of national sports bodies, it is widely believed to back the idea of accomplished athletes leading sports federations. This policy has already influenced the leadership of several sports bodies in India, and the upcoming BCCI elections may follow a similar trajectory.

The precedent was set in 2022, when a similar meeting at Shah’s residence reportedly played a key role in Roger Binny’s elevation as BCCI president, replacing Ganguly.

Selectors Interviews Also Underway

In parallel with the leadership discussions, the BCCI is also in the process of finalizing its national selection committees. Interviews were conducted on Thursday (September 18) by the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), which currently comprises Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjpe. Sulakshana Naik, the third member, is no longer part of the CAC, and her replacement is expected to be announced soon.

The CAC is tasked with selecting:

• Two new members for the Ajit Agarkar-led men’s national selection panel

• One member for the junior selection committee

• Four members for the women’s selection committee

These selectors will formally take charge after the AGM on September 28, marking another key step in the board’s ongoing transition.

What’s Next?

With the final electoral roll due on September 19, and the informal Delhi meeting taking place the next day, the picture around the next BCCI president is expected to become much clearer by Saturday night. Whether the decision favors a familiar face like Ganguly or Harbhajan, or introduces a completely new name, remains to be seen.

Stay tuned to CricketMan2 for the latest developments, insider analysis, and comprehensive coverage as Indian cricket prepares for its next big leadership transition.