Cooling-off rule clouds Dhumal’s future
Arun Dhumal’s position as IPL Governing Council chairman is under the spotlight as the BCCI heads into its Annual General Meeting later this month. Dhumal, who completes six years in board roles this October, may have to step aside if the mandatory three-year cooling-off period is enforced — a scenario that could reshape the board’s leadership structure, according to a Times of India report.
Dhumal served as BCCI treasurer from 2019 to 2022 before becoming IPL chairman, raising questions over whether the six-year cap applies to his combined tenure. The BCCI is currently seeking clarity on whether the IPL chairman’s post qualifies as that of an office bearer under its constitution.
“We are seeking clarity on whether the cooling period will come into effect when someone completes six years in the BCCI. As of now, the understanding is that the cooling-off period is only specific to the office bearers,” a BCCI official told InsideSport.
If the rule is applied, former BCCI treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry has emerged as a leading candidate to take over as IPL chairman.
Presidency vacant after Binny’s exit
The election will also decide who replaces Roger Binny, who stepped down as BCCI President after turning 70 — the age cap set by the constitution. While the position is often described as ceremonial, it carries weight at ICC forums and in maintaining consensus among state associations.
Many within the board want to continue the recent tradition of having a cricketer of stature in the role. “There is a feeling among important stakeholders that a cricketer of distinction should always be elected as president. Sourav Ganguly was a decorated India skipper and Roger Binny India’s first World Cup-winning hero. However, how many such cricketers of repute would be interested in taking up an honorary top job is a big question,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on condition of anonymity.
Acting president Rajeev Shukla, currently the BCCI Vice-President, is seen as the frontrunner. However, his eligibility in the longer term could also be shaped by cooling-off provisions unless reforms provide relief.
Other contenders and continuity in key roles
Beyond Dhumal and Shukla, other names are also in play. Sanjay Naik, former Mumbai Cricket Association secretary, has been linked to the IPL chairman’s role. If Shukla takes that seat instead, Bihar Cricket Association president Rakesh Tiwary could emerge as a strong candidate for the vice-presidency.
Meanwhile, continuity is expected in several other key positions. Devajit Saikia is favored to continue as secretary after overseeing significant transitions, including the shift in Test captaincy from Rohit Sharma to Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli’s Test retirement. Treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia and joint secretary Rohan Gauns Desai are still in their early terms and are likely to remain in place.
Governance reforms could change the picture
The National Sports Governance Act, if implemented before the 2026 AGM, could bring sweeping changes to the BCCI’s framework. Among its potential impacts would be easing or eliminating cooling-off requirements for office bearers, which could alter eligibility for senior administrators and extend their terms.
For now, the 2025 elections will be conducted under the current constitution. With both the presidency and IPL chairmanship at stake, the AGM promises to be one of the most pivotal moments in recent years for Indian cricket’s administration.
