News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/27th August 2024
As Jay Shah prepares to potentially take on the role of ICC Chairman, speculation mounts over his successor as BCCI Secretary. Although Shah’s nomination for the ICC position remains uncertain, the deadline for submitting nominations is August 27, leaving little time for final decisions. Amid this uncertainty, Rohan Jaitley has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Shah as the BCCI Secretary.
Rohan Jaitley, the current president of the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), is a prominent figure in Indian cricket administration. He is the son of the late Arun Jaitley, a respected politician and former Finance Minister of India, who also served as DDCA president for 14 years. Following in his father’s footsteps, Rohan has made a significant mark in both law and cricket administration. He is an established lawyer, handling cases before the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court, and has recently been appointed as a Central Government Standing Counsel for the Delhi High Court.
Jaitley’s involvement in cricket administration began about four years ago when he was elected as the president of the DDCA, a position he was re-elected to earlier this year. Under his leadership, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi hosted five ODI World Cup matches last year and successfully organized the inaugural Delhi Premier League, featuring prominent players like Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma. His tenure has been marked by significant contributions to the development and promotion of cricket in Delhi.
Rohan Jaitley’s candidacy for the BCCI Secretary role is bolstered by his family’s longstanding influence within the cricketing community. His father’s tenure as vice-president of the BCCI adds weight to Rohan’s potential appointment, given the BCCI’s historical preference for individuals with established connections and experience within the system.
While Jaitley appears to be the leading candidate, other names have also been discussed. Former CAB president Avishek Dalmiya is considered a possible competitor, along with other young state unit officials such as Dilsher Khanna from Punjab, Vipul Phadke from Goa, and Prabhtej Bhatia from Chhattisgarh, who previously served on the IPL Governing Council. The BCCI’s decision will ultimately reflect its preference for continuity versus fresh perspectives in its key administrative roles.
The BCCI’s power structure typically values experience and established relationships within the organization, making Jaitley’s extensive background and family legacy advantageous. However, as the BCCI’s decision-making process unfolds, it remains to be seen whether they will choose to promote an insider like Jaitley or consider a newcomer to the role.
With the deadline for Shah’s ICC nomination fast approaching, the future of the BCCI Secretary position remains closely watched. The appointment of Rohan Jaitley would signify a continuation of the influence wielded by his family in Indian cricket, ensuring stability and experienced leadership for the BCCI during a period of significant transition.
