Power shift at BCCI: Devajit Saikia takes over as secretary, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia joins as treasurer

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): Devajit Saikia has been unanimously elected as the new secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) while Prabhtej Singh Bhatia has assumed the role of treasurer. Both were elected without opposition during a Special General Meeting held on January 12, 2025 as they were the sole candidates to file nominations for the posts previously held by Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar.

Saikia, a former Assam cricketer succeeds Jay Shah, who stepped down last month after being appointed chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Prior to his election, Saikia had been serving as acting secretary following Shah's departure. His appointment represents a milestone in his career, building on his prior role as the joint secretary of the BCCI.

Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, from Chhattisgarh has taken over the treasurer position vacated by Ashish Shelar who resigned after joining the Maharashtra government as a cabinet minister. With both Saikia and Bhatia being the only nominees for their respective roles, a formal election process was not required. In his new role, Saikia's immediate tasks include addressing India’s recent performances in international cricket. He will collaborate closely with BCCI president Roger Binny and national team captain Rohit Sharma in upcoming discussions. Saikia brings a wealth of experience in cricket administration and law, having previously served as the secretary of the Assam Cricket Association and played first-class cricket in the early 1990s.