T.J. Srinivasaraj was elected unopposed as president of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) during its general elections on Sunday, marking a significant leadership transition as the association enters its next four-year term. He succeeds Dr. P. Ashok Sigamani, who steps down after serving two consecutive terms and now enters the mandatory cooling-off period.
Srinivasaraj previously served as TNCA treasurer and is the Managing Director of Freight Consol International Pvt Ltd and Freyer International Logistics Pvt Ltd—companies that back multiple teams in the TNCA league and sponsor the association’s women’s one-day and T20 competitions.
The elections, held at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium and overseen by Electoral Officer Dr. D. Chandrashekaran, I.A.S. (Retd.), saw several other key appointments:
- Vice-president: M. Kumaresh (unopposed)
- Treasurer: R. Rangarajan (unopposed)
- Secretary: U. Bhagwandas Rao
- Joint secretary: K. Sriram
- Assistant secretary: C. Mareeswaran
In addition to the officer bearers, Jaffer Asique Ali, Shri Divakar J, and Parameswaran P were elected unopposed to the Apex Council (Districts), while Krishna R, Manikandan G, Rajan P.S., Sanjay Kumbhat, Selvamani S, and Shankar N.S. were elected to represent the City.
S. Balakrishna and Yusuf Y. Laila were also nominated to serve on the TNPL Governing Council.
Infrastructure expansion and district focus top the agenda
One of Srinivasaraj’s central goals is to make the TNCA’s infrastructure more accessible to players across the state, especially outside Chennai.
“We have developed a lot of infrastructure. We want to use the best of all the infrastructures we have for the current players. Earlier, people used to play only in the city. Now, we have opened many satellite centres in the districts to benefit state cricketers. So, the first thing we want to do is to give more exposure to all the city cricketers and also district cricketers,” said Srinivasaraj, president of the TNCA.
With growing talent emerging from beyond traditional cricketing hubs, the new administration plans to increase opportunities for players statewide and streamline access to facilities for training and competition.
Women’s cricket development a top priority
A vocal supporter of the women’s game, Srinivasaraj emphasized the TNCA’s ongoing efforts to boost women’s cricket in Tamil Nadu.
“We want to develop women’s cricket also. In the past, only in the city, many girls came forward to play cricket. Now, even in the districts, a lot of women cricketers are coming forward to play cricket. We will definitely try and support women cricketers in the state to come up in the game,” said Srinivasaraj, adding that the Chepauk ground which is being re-laid would be ready in a month or so.
Freyer International, the company he leads, has played a key role in supporting the TNCA’s women’s challenger tournaments since 2022—an initiative that is expected to expand under his presidency.
Vision for Chepauk and beyond
The iconic Chepauk ground—home to the TNCA and a key venue for domestic and international cricket—is undergoing a revamp in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. According to Srinivasaraj, the ground will be match-ready in the next few weeks.
Although new venues like the Velammal Cricket Stadium in Madurai and a government-developed stadium in Coimbatore are emerging, TNCA has not yet finalized their inclusion in major competitions such as the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).
A new chapter for Tamil Nadu cricket
With a mix of continuity and new leadership, the TNCA’s 2025–2028 committee is expected to steer the association toward broader inclusivity, modernized infrastructure, and enhanced player development.
As newly elected secretary U. Bhagwandas Rao noted, the administration’s mission is clear:
“Our aim will be steering the Association’s ongoing programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening cricketing infrastructure, nurturing emerging talent and upholding the highest standards of governance within the sport.”
With its refreshed leadership and growing reach across the state, the TNCA appears poised to build on its legacy while embracing a more expansive and inclusive vision for Tamil Nadu cricket.
