Former Assam cricketer replaces Jay Shah as BCCI secretary

Devajit Saikia, a former first-class cricketer from Assam, was on Sunday, January 12 named as the new secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Saikia takes over from Jay Shah, who's the current ICC chairman. Shah assumed charge as ICC head from December 1, 2024.

Saikia's appointment as the new secretary of the BCCI was confirmed during a Special General Meeting held on Sunday. While Saikia was named secretary, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia was elected as the Treasurer of the BCCI. Ashish Shelar, the previous treasurer, was recently elected as the Member of Legislative Assembly after the Maharashtra elections.

Speaking after being named BCCI secretary, Saikia commented that he would look to carry forward the good work done by Shah. He said (as quoted by ANI):

"I am extremely delighted and grateful to all my colleagues. I thank the ICC Chairman and former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. ... I will carry forward the work done by ICC Chairman and former BCCI Secretary Jay Shah."

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed both appointments after the cricket board's Special General Meeting.

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About new BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia

Saikia is a former first-class cricketer, who represented Assam during the 1990-91 season. A wicketkeeper-batter, he played four matches (six innings) and scored 63 runs at an average of 8.83, with a best of 24. Behind the wickets, he took eight catches and also effected one stumping.

Saikia has reasonable experience in cricket administration. He has served as the BCCI joint secretary as well as the secretary of the Assam Cricket Association. After former BCCI secretary Shah took charge of his position at the ICC, Saikia became the acting interim secretary of BCCI.

Meanwhile, speaking to India Today, vice-president of the Indian cricket board Shukla revealed that IPL 2025 will get underway on March 21 and conclude on May 25. Both the tournament opener and the final match are likely to be held at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Kolkata Knight Riders are the defending champions in the cash-rich T20 league.