Sachin Tendulkar Quashes Rumors of BCCI Presidency Bid Ahead of Elections

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar has put an end to rumours linking him with the role of president of the Indian cricket board (BCCI). Tendulkar’s management group confirmed that no such development has taken place in the lead-up to the BCCI elections, scheduled for 28 September.

“It has come to our attention that certain reports and rumours have been circulating regarding Mr Sachin Tendulkar being considered, or nominated, for the position of President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). We wish to state categorically that no such development has taken place,” Tendulkar’s management team said in a statement on Thursday, 11 September.

The BCCI will conduct elections for the posts of president, vice-President, secretary, joint secretary and treasurer on September 28 at its Annual General Meeting. A high-level meeting will be held before the AGM to discuss names for the key roles, including the president and secretary.

The agenda includes the election and induction of one representative of the General Body into the Apex Council of the BCCI, along with the induction of two representatives from the Indian Cricketers’ Association. It also covers the election and induction of two representatives of the General Body into the Governing Council of the IPL, as well as the induction of one representative from the Indian Cricketers’ Association into the same council.

Rajeev Shukla took over as the interim president of the BCCI after Roger Binny's tenure came to an end in August. Binny turned 70 last month and according to the existing BCCI constitution, no administrator can hold the post after turning 70.

The contest for the top posts remains wide open. For the presidency, no decision has yet been taken, with both a former player and a cricket administrator under consideration. Interim president Rajeev Shukla is regarded as a leading contender. According to sources, three scenarios are being discussed — he could continue as vice president, be elevated to BCCI President, or assume charge as IPL Chairman. While the most likely outcome appears to be his continuation in the current role, there is said to be a 60-40 chance of his promotion to president.

Before Roger Binny, the last India cricketer to hold the top job in the BCCI was Sourav Ganguly. In the past, Sunil Gavaskar and Shivlal Yadav have been interim presidents in the past.

Within the IPL Governing Council, the position could see the return of former BCCI treasurer Anirudh Choudhury. From Bengal, Avishek Dalmiya, presently a member of the IPL Governing Council, is also in contention. Final decisions, however, will hinge on the discussions at the leadership meeting.