As Indian cricket braces for a major leadership transition, all eyes are on Delhi, where the power corridors are heating up with high-stakes discussions over who will become the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). While the official elections are scheduled to take place at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 28, the real decision could be made much earlier — at an informal but high-level meeting on Saturday, September 20.
According to exclusive insights obtained by CricketMan2, a pivotal meeting is set to be held at the residence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This meeting is expected to bring together top BCCI officials and key members of the ruling BJP, where the final blueprint for the next BCCI leadership will likely be drawn.
Why the September 20 Meeting Matters
Though not part of the official BCCI calendar, the September 20 meeting in Delhi carries immense weight. This isn’t the first time such a gathering has influenced cricket administration at the highest level. In 2022, a similar meeting reportedly sealed the fate of then-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, despite expectations of his continuation. The outcome of that meeting led to the appointment of Roger Binny, former India cricketer and part of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, as the new president.
The 2025 meeting could prove to be just as consequential, if not more.
The Contenders: Ganguly, Harbhajan, Bhatt, More or a Surprise?
The cricketing grapevine is buzzing with speculation about who could be the next BCCI chief. Among the top names doing the rounds are:
Sourav Ganguly
The former India captain and ex-BCCI president is being touted for a possible return. Ganguly, known for his aggressive leadership and cricketing acumen, had a mixed tenure during his first stint but remains a high-profile and respected figure in both cricket and politics.
Harbhajan Singh
A surprising yet increasingly talked-about name, Harbhajan Singh, a former India off-spinner and Ganguly's longtime teammate, is believed to have growing support within both cricket and political circles. His transition into politics in recent years may have strengthened his case.
Raghuram Bhatt
A less flashy but experienced figure, Bhatt has represented India in Tests and has long been involved in cricket administration in Karnataka. His name has gained traction quietly but steadily among insiders.
Kiran More
The former India wicketkeeper may seem like an unlikely candidate given that his name does not currently appear on the list of eligible state association nominees. However, as per the September 6 notification issued by BCCI electoral officer A.K. Joti, state units have until September 19 to modify their nominations — allowing More’s potential candidacy to still be in play.
There is also room for a "surprise name" to emerge, especially given the political involvement and history of last-minute switches in BCCI elections.
Behind-the-Scenes Influence: The BJP Factor
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has consistently maintained a stance of not interfering directly in the affairs of sports bodies. However, it is no secret that the party advocates for former sportspersons and accomplished professionals to lead national federations. Over the past few years, multiple appointments in India’s sports administration landscape have reflected this policy.
This makes the Saturday night meeting even more significant, especially given the presence of top-level political decision-makers. The final call may be shaped as much by strategic calculations as by cricketing credentials.
Final Electoral Roll Due on September 19
One key detail that adds urgency to these discussions is the electoral timeline. The final electoral roll, which determines who can vote and who is eligible to contest, will be released on September 19 — just one day before the planned meeting.
This means that state associations still have a narrow window to change their nominees, possibly paving the way for new or unexpected candidates to enter the fray. It's a legal and procedural flexibility that can have major political and cricketing consequences.
BCCI Selector Interviews Also Underway
While the spotlight remains on the presidency, significant developments are simultaneously taking place on the selection front. On Thursday, September 18, the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) began interviewing candidates for various national selection roles.
The current CAC includes Ashok Malhotra and Jatin Paranjpe. The third member, Sulakshana Naik, is no longer part of the committee, and the BCCI is expected to name a replacement soon.
The CAC is expected to finalize:
- Two selectors for the Ajit Agarkar-led men’s national selection committee
- One selector for the national junior selection committee
- Four selectors for the national women’s committee
These new appointments will officially take charge following the AGM on September 28, ushering in a new era of selection strategy and team building for Indian cricket.
The Road Ahead
By all accounts, Saturday, September 20, could become a turning point in the history of Indian cricket governance. While the formal AGM will still serve as the official platform for elections, the groundwork being laid in Delhi this weekend is expected to determine the direction BCCI takes in the coming years.
Whether it's a comeback for Ganguly, a fresh face like Harbhajan, or an unexpected twist with a new name, one thing is certain — the political and cricketing nexus will be more visible than ever.
Stay tuned to CricketMan2 for all the latest updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and expert analysis on Indian cricket's biggest leadership battle.