BJP ally Dwijajit Saikia appointed head of Indian Cricket Board

NEW DELHI: Dujajit Saikia, a relatively unknown name among Indian cricket fans, has been appointed as the new secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His appointment to the top post comes after former BCCI president Jay Shah took over as ICC chairman.

In an official statement, the BCCI confirmed that the 55-year-old former cricketer has been selected for the role, effective immediately. Prior to the appointment, Saikia had served as a BCCI board member and served as the board’s interim secretary.

While Saikia’s cricketing career was modest — he played just four first-class matches as a wicketkeeper-batsman, scoring a total of 53 runs — his political affiliations have been the focus of interest. Known for his close ties with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), his appointment has sparked debate in both political and sporting circles.

Saikia’s appointment, despite his relatively low profile in the cricketing world, reflects the significant influence of politics in Indian cricket administration. His links with the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi could potentially affect the future direction of Indian cricket, raising questions about the blending of politics and sports.

For now, cricket fans and analysts will be keeping a close eye on how Saikia’s leadership plays out and whether his tenure brings about any major changes in the governance of Indian cricket.