Politics Behind Election of New BCCI President

Former Indian cricket team star and member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team Roger Binny was named as the 36th president of the BCCI

Former Indian cricket team star and member of the 1983 World Cup-winning team Roger Binny on 18th  October was named as the 36th president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Binny's appointment was announced at the BCCI AGM in Mumbai as he replaced former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. The former Indian cricket team star, who is now 67-years-old, was the only candidate to have filed nomination for the BCCI president's post. Apart from Binny, the next set of office-bearers' polls was also a formality, as all were set to be elected unopposed. However, you might be thinking this to be a simple transition of power after the term of Sourav Ganguly ended as the president of the BCCI.

But let us tell you this transition is not as simple as it looks. Soon after it was announced that Sourav Ganguly would be removed from his post as the president, The TMC government of West Bengal led by CM Mamata Banerjee has alleged the BJP for influencing its power in the cricket board. According to the TMC, the removal of Sourav Ganguly was the BJP’s reaction after he allegedly denied to campaign for BJP in West Bengal. Moreover, TMC has said that the central government is emphasising its power in the cricket board in order to get a favourable outcome. Meanwhile, their allegations are constantly being denied by the BJP but they surely have a valid point. The same can be understood by looking at the current power holdings in the BCCI. To have a further understanding, let us tell you that Jay Shah who is the son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is serving as the Secretary and is enjoying the top position in the board. Then comes Arun Kumar Dhumal, the brother of union IT Minister Anurag Thakur who has been appointed as the chairperson of the IPL.Adding on to the list comes the treasurer of the BCCI, Ashish Kumar Shelar who is also the chief of Mumbai BJP. Not just that, further comes Devajit Lon Saikia, the advocate general of Assam who is also very close to the Assam Chief Minister Hemant Biswa Sharma. 9967406027

The post of president has been given to Roger Binny so that he can work as a puppet controlled by the BJP as per the allegations made by the TMC. The top post distribution of the cricket board gives a clear understanding that politics and cricket go hand in hand in India. The ones in power are set to control the board of cricket as well.

In the meantime, this transition of power has emerged, two other big news has also come to light from the cricket world, the first one is the official confirmation of the BCCI Secretary that the Indian cricket team won’t be travelling to Pakistan for the Asia Cup which is scheduled to be held in 2023. Jay Shah in his statement has said that the Indian team will only take part in the Asia cup if the tournament takes place at a neutral venue. Adding on to the first one, the second one is good news in which a BCCI meeting has confirmed that similarly like Men IPL, Women IPL will also take place. Recently, the Indian women team is seen raising the standards of its cricketing abilities over the past few years. Just a few days back, we also released a news story of the Indian Women team winning the Asia Cup title for the 7th time. What do you think about these sensational stories from the Indian Cricket world? Do mention your thoughts in the comment section below.

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