Why I Love Covering The BCCI

I cut my teeth in journalism two decades ago with an unlikely beat called BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). I call it unlikely because in those days BCCI had just become a full-fledged beat with PILCOM coming into the picture — Jagmohan Dalmiya and IS Bindra beginning to dictate World Cricket. Along the way have seen rise and fall of several presidents and other cricket administrators, including the great Maharaja of Bengal.

I have forever been a fan of Agatha Christie, the way she scripted drama and intrigue. BCCI for me has been a live demonstration of thrillers. There is every element, twists and turns in the plot-lines, except murder.

And so, after years and a brief Covid break, I was back on the beat to follow the rise of Roger Binny to BCCI president. Binny, a 1983 World Cup winner is a massive icon. Currently the only man on the BCCI panel without a political affiliation. The others include Jay Shah, the son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Secretary of the Board, who was re-inducted for a second term. Ashish Shelar the new Treasurer, who is the West Bandra BJP MLA; Rajeev Shukla, the Congressman and eternal survivor, the Vice President; Devajit Saikia the Joint Secretary is a childhood friend of Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam CM.

Oh, and there is Arun Dhumal too to complete the fab five of BCCI. He is the brother of Anurag Thakur, a former BCCI president himself and also the current Sports minister.

I love covering the BCCI and witnessing their power play. Across party lines they play the sport called Boardroom Cricket.

For me the unreported headline of the week is Mr N Srinivasan complaining of Mr Sourav Ganguly's conflicts of interest. (Those who enjoy the comedy and BCCI stories will know why