The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that it will convene a Special General Meeting (SGM) on January 12, 2025, in Mumbai to fill the vacant posts of secretary and treasurer. This decision follows the resignation of Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar from their respective positions earlier this month.
The BCCI constitution mandates that any vacant post must be filled within 45 days by organizing a Special General Meeting. The upcoming SGM, scheduled 43 days before the stipulated deadline, reflects the board’s commitment to adhering to these guidelines.
BCCI Notification Issued After Apex Council Meeting:
A notification confirming the date of the SGM was sent to state cricket associations following the Apex Council meeting on Thursday. “Yes, after the Apex Council Meeting on Thursday, State units were sent a notification about the date of the SGM, which is January 12 at the BCCI headquarters,” a state association president shared with PTI.
This meeting is of significant importance as the positions of Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer need to be filled promptly to ensure smooth operations within the cricket board.
Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar Step Down
Jay Shah vacated the position of BCCI secretary after assuming the role of the youngest chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 1, 2024. Meanwhile, Ashish Shelar, a senior BJP leader, stepped down from his role as BCCI treasurer after being appointed as a cabinet minister in the newly formed Maharashtra government.
Both resignations were in accordance with the Lodha Committee reforms, which prohibit individuals from holding dual positions. Shah, who had a year left in his tenure with the BCCI before entering the mandatory cooling-off period, relinquished his role to focus on his responsibilities at the ICC. Similarly, Shelar had to step down as BCCI treasurer, as the reforms disallow ministers or public servants from serving as office-bearers in the board.
Election Procedures
The official BCCI documentation states, “As the posts of Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer have been vacated, the same are required to be filled up for the remaining period at a Special General Meeting by way of elections.” The document also highlights the appointment of Achal Kumar Jyoti, former Chief Election Commissioner of India, as the Electoral Officer to oversee the election process during the SGM.
Achal Kumar Jyoti, a retired IAS officer from the 1975 Gujarat cadre, brings vast experience to the role, having served as India’s Chief Election Commissioner from July 2017 to January 2018. His expertise is expected to ensure a smooth and transparent election process.
Currently, the duties of BCCI’s interim secretary are being carried out by Devajit Saikia of Assam. The treasurer’s position remains unoccupied. It is widely anticipated that the election of the new secretary and treasurer will be a unanimous decision, signaling unity among the state cricket associations and board members.
Upcoming SGM
The January 12 SGM is expected to mark a critical milestone for the BCCI, as it will fill two key leadership positions that influence the organization’s operations and strategic direction. The meeting underscores the board’s commitment to adhering to constitutional reforms and maintaining governance standards.
The BCCI’s adherence to the timeline set by its constitution demonstrates the importance it places on ensuring leadership continuity. This swift action is vital for the board as it manages the cricketing calendar and the strategic growth of Indian cricket on the global stage.
With Shah at the helm of the ICC and Shelar now serving in the Maharashtra government, the BCCI has a unique opportunity to introduce new leadership that can build on the momentum achieved under the previous administration. The unanimous election of the new secretary and treasurer will pave the way for a smooth transition and reinforce the board’s governance framework.
The cricket fraternity eagerly awaits the outcomes of the January 12 SGM, as the decisions made during this meeting will shape the future of Indian cricket administration.
