Ashish Shelar, the BCCI treasurer since September 2022, has resigned. He is now the minister in the Maharashtra Cabinet, only makes sense to leave his old role. The BCCI Supreme Court-approved constitution sets stage for Indian cricket’s apex organization for a big administrative shift. Article 4.5 of the BCCI rules led to Shelar’s resignation. Ministers or government officials can’t serve on the board. This rule helps avoid conflicts and makes sure everyone is committed to the board.
On Sunday night, Shelar explained his decision to reporters. He can’t continue at BCCI as he’s a Maharashtra government minister. He’s focusing on politics, even though he’s known for his cricket work. He still sees politics as his main job.
Shelar, a thrice-elected Mumbai MLA and Mumbai’s BJP chief, had a stint at the BCCI linked with Jay Shah. Shah was the past BCCI secretary and now leads ICC independently. Many thought Shelar would fill Shah’s shoes post his exit. But, Shelar dismissed this, saying his time was limited for cricket managing.
Shelar leaving is BCCI’s second major change in under a month, following Shah’s leaving. The BCCI now has a gap in the leadership team as it carries on important tasks at home and abroad.
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How to replace Shelar is an urgent problem for the BCCI now. Will board president Roger Binny ask for votes to name a new treasurer? Or, will he delegate duties to another office-holder?
Earlier, Binny used his unique powers to place an acting secretary, Devjit Saikia, after Shah left. The treasurer’s role is vital, with key financial planning needed for the ongoing India-Australia Tests and other big events. These swift leadership switches need a quick response to avoid any hiccups in operations or management.
While no formal declarations have been made, insiders think the board might choose a seasoned cricket manager to keep things in balance. With not much time and a lot at stake, the next in line needs to learn the ropes quickly. This includes looking after IPL funding, broadcasting contracts, and other monetary tasks.
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Shelar’s departure draws attention to the thin line between sports management and politics in high-profile organizations like the BCCI. Even though this body has overcome similar transformations before, consecutive leadership changes create new hurdles.
The BCCI is finding its path through this change in leadership, remaining focused on smooth operations and sustaining its international reputation. For the time being, everyone, from cricket enthusiasts to those invested in the game, eagerly anticipates news about who will guide the financial and administrative destiny of Indian cricket.
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