Mumbai, September 28 – Former Delhi captain Mithun Manhas was elected unopposed as the new president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during its 94th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mumbai on Sunday. Alongside him, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and several other key members were also elected without contest.

As per agency report, Manhas, 45, became the 37th president of the board, succeeding Roger Binny, who stepped down last month after turning 70. Manhas follows Binny and former captain Sourav Ganguly, making him the third consecutive first-class cricketer to hold the top position.

A seasoned all-rounder, Manhas played 157 first-class matches, 130 List A games, and 55 Indian Premier League matches between 1997-98 and 2016-17. He came into contention for the role after an informal meeting of senior board officials in New Delhi on September 20, just before the close of nominations. He has also served on a three-member ad-hoc committee set up by the BCCI to manage the affairs of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association following mismanagement issues.

Manhas, who scored 9,714 runs in first-class cricket including 27 centuries and 4,126 runs in List A, expressed confidence that his experience as both a player and administrator would help him shoulder the responsibility. He described his appointment as an honour and acknowledged the weight of responsibility that comes with leading what is often called the world’s most powerful cricket board.

The AGM also confirmed several other important appointments. Saikia retained his role as secretary, while Arun Dhumal continued as chairman of the IPL Governing Council. Former Karnataka cricketer Raghuram Bhat was chosen as treasurer, replacing Rohan Gauns Desai, while Prabhtej Bhatia took over as joint secretary. Veteran administrator Rajeev Shukla remained as vice president, and M Khairul Jamal Majumdar was nominated as one of the IPL council representatives alongside Dhumal. Saurashtra Cricket Association president Jaydev Shah was inducted as a member of the Apex Council.

The AGM further finalized changes in the selection panels. Former India internationals RP Singh and Pragyan Ojha joined the men’s selection committee, while Tamil Nadu’s former batsman S Sharath returned to the junior panel after serving in the senior committee. The senior committee, chaired by Ajit Agarkar, now includes Shiv Sundar Das, Ajay Ratra, RP Singh and Ojha. On the women’s side, former pacer Amita Sharma replaced Neetu David as chair of the selection committee. She will be joined by Shyama Dey, Jaya Sharma and Sravanthi Naidu, with their tenure beginning after the Women’s World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.

Kerala Cricket Association president Jayesh George was appointed as the first independent chair of the Women’s Premier League Committee, a position previously held by Binny since the league’s inception in 2023. Delhi and District Cricket Association president Rohan Jaitley was named head of the Infrastructure Committee. The BCCI also directed state associations to send nominations for various committees, including the Cricket Advisory Committee and the Umpires Committee, ensuring candidates meet eligibility provisions.

The AGM was attended by several former cricketers. Punjab Cricket Association representative Harbhajan Singh welcomed Manhas’s election, calling it a positive step to have a cricketer in charge of the board. He also urged the BCCI to extend support towards flood relief efforts in Punjab and other northern states.

Notably, former BCCI president and current Cricket Association of Bengal chief Sourav Ganguly was absent from the meeting.

New Delhi, May 10 – Rising star Shubman Gill is being considered as the new captain of the Indian Test team, with wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant likely to serve as his deputy, as per sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This leadership reshuffle comes amid growing speculation over the future of senior stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the traditional format.

While no official announcement has been made, sources indicate that the selectors see Gill as the long-term choice to lead the Test side, especially following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format. Pant, one of India’s most successful Test batsmen in overseas conditions with centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa and an average exceeding 42, is reportedly the frontrunner for vice-captaincy. Jasprit Bumrah, although highly respected, is not being considered for a leadership role due to recurring fitness concerns and uncertainty over his availability for an entire Test series.

According to BCCI insiders, there was serious deliberation over asking Virat Kohli to captain the side for the challenging five-match series in England, allowing Gill more time to develop. However, Kohli has not made any official statement regarding his future in Test cricket, and it remains unclear whether he will participate in the England series at all.

Both BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar have declined to comment on the matter. Despite public curiosity, the board has maintained silence over any direct discussions with Kohli about his retirement or leadership role.

A senior BCCI official revealed that Kohli’s experience was viewed as crucial for the England tour, especially in the absence of Rohit Sharma. However, with uncertainty surrounding Kohli’s availability, the selectors now appear inclined to hand the reins to Gill, who they believe represents the next generation of leadership.

KL Rahul, despite his international experience and recent form in Australia, is not being seen as a viable leadership candidate due to his inconsistency and age. His average of under 35 after 50 Tests hasn’t impressed the selectors enough for a prominent leadership role.

The Indian squad for the England tour is expected to be announced by the end of May’s third week, with the India A team to be finalized earlier. Tamil Nadu’s left-handed batsman Sai Sudharsan is likely to earn his maiden Test call-up, following an impressive run of form. He is expected to slot in as an opener or at No. 3 in the batting order, depending on the final team composition.

As India prepares for its next overseas Test challenge, the focus now shifts to a younger leadership core, while questions around Kohli’s future remain unanswered by the board.

New Delhi, April 21 – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday released the list of centrally contracted players for the upcoming season, with Indian Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli retaining their positions in the top A+ category. The category also includes all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, all of whom will receive an annual retainer fee of ₹7 crore.

As per agency report, a total of 34 players have been awarded contracts this season. Among notable developments, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have returned to the central contract list. Iyer, who had been excluded in the previous cycle reportedly for prioritizing IPL over domestic cricket, has been placed in Group B with a retainer of ₹3 crore. Kishan, who faced similar consequences last season, has returned in the C category with an annual fee of ₹1 crore.

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who was moved to Group B in the 2023–24 cycle, has now been reinstated to Group A following the retirement of Ravichandran Ashwin. Players in this grade receive ₹5 crore annually.

The C category, comprising the largest group with 19 players, includes four new additions: Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Abhishek Sharma, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. This tier typically includes emerging talent and players on the periphery of the national setup.

Here is the breakdown of BCCI’s 2025–26 central contracts:

Grade A+ (₹7 crore): Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja
Grade A (₹5 crore): Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, Rishabh Pant
Grade B (₹3 crore): Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer
Grade C (₹1 crore): Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana

The announcement reflects the BCCI's strategic focus on performance, fitness, and availability across formats as the board builds depth and continuity for the future.

New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a cash prize of ₹58 crore for the Indian cricket team following their victory in the ICC Champions Trophy held in Dubai this month. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India secured their third Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand in the final by four wickets.

As per agency report, the cash reward will be distributed among players, coaching and support staff, and the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar. However, BCCI has not disclosed the specific allocation of the prize money among the recipients.

BCCI President Roger Binny described winning back-to-back ICC titles as a remarkable achievement and stated that the cash award recognizes Team India’s commitment and excellence on the global stage. He emphasized that the Champions Trophy win highlights the strength of India’s cricketing ecosystem, noting that this was India's second ICC title of 2025. The U-19 women's team also clinched the World Cup earlier this year, further demonstrating the depth of talent in Indian cricket.

India had previously won the T20 World Cup last year, reaffirming their dominance in limited-overs cricket. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia remarked that India’s latest victory solidifies their position as the rightful top-ranked team in white-ball cricket. He credited the team's success to hard work and strategic planning, expressing confidence that India will continue to excel on the international stage.

Saikia further noted that the players’ commitment and dedication had set new benchmarks, and he believes that Indian cricket will continue reaching greater heights globally. BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla lauded the team for their composure under pressure, stating that their performance in ICC tournaments serves as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the country. He emphasized that the victory reaffirmed India’s cricketing prowess, built on skill, mental resilience, and a winning mindset.

New Delhi : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has organized a special interview between two of cricket’s strongest personalities, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, ahead of the highly anticipated India-Bangladesh Test series.

In the interview, released on Wednesday, Kohli and Gambhir candidly discussed their past, the intense rivalries they faced during the IPL, and how they’ve moved beyond the media and fan-driven narratives surrounding their on-field tensions.

The conversation between these cricket legends comes just days before the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. In the teaser shared by the BCCI, Kohli opened up about the long-standing tension between him and Gambhir, saying, "So, here we are. We’ve come a long way, and we’re putting an end to all the drama."

Smiling, Gambhir responded, "That’s a good way to start the conversation," leading both players to share a laugh together.

During the interview, Gambhir reminisced about Kohli's phenomenal performances in Australia, particularly highlighting his outstanding batting, which cemented his status as one of cricket’s greats. In turn, Kohli asked Gambhir how he managed to stay in the 'zone' amidst all the banter and on-field tension, sparking an insightful discussion on mental toughness in sports.

Gambhir, with a touch of humor, deflected the question back to Kohli, suggesting that Kohli might be better equipped to answer how external noise impacts a player's focus, given his own experience with on-field controversies.

The history between Kohli and Gambhir dates back to India’s 2011 World Cup victory, where both played crucial roles. Notably, during the tournament, Gambhir handed over his Player of the Match trophy to a young Kohli, marking the beginning of a bond between two highly competitive cricketers. However, their relationship on the field hasn’t always been smooth.

In 2013, the pair had a heated verbal altercation during an IPL match, a rivalry that only intensified a decade later in the 2023 IPL season. During that time, Gambhir, the mentor of Lucknow Super Giants, and Kohli, leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore, were involved in a fierce confrontation, leading to fines for both players.

Despite their past tensions, the two have recently shown signs of reconciliation. In 2024, during a match between Kolkata Knight Riders and RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the duo was seen warmly embracing, signaling the end of their public disagreements. Since Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach, the pair has worked together to set aside their differences, fostering a strong rapport within the dressing room.

Former Indian cricketer and current BCCI selection committee chairman, Ajit Agarkar, recently spoke on SportyFiveWithPRG, offering valuable insights on player selection, fitness, and the role of the IPL.

Agarkar highlighted the abundance of talent in India, crediting the IPL for providing a consistent platform for young players. "The IPL keeps bringing out new talent," he said, emphasizing the league's role in identifying and promoting promising cricketers. He noted the pressure-cooker environment of the IPL, where players face top competition, allowing selectors to assess temperament and big-match capabilities.

While acknowledging the importance of data analysis in modern cricket, Agarkar cautioned against overreliance. He stressed the need for human instinct and on-field leadership. Citing MS Dhoni as an example, he praised the former captain's ability to read the game and adapt strategies based on real-time situations.

"You may have all the numbers at your disposal," Agarkar stated, "but if you haven't seen the player, it is difficult." He emphasized the importance of practical experience in player evaluation alongside data analysis.

The discussion also touched upon team culture. Agarkar highlighted the influence of senior players in fostering a positive environment. He recalled his own experiences playing alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, emphasizing how their high standards raised the bar for younger players. This shared work ethic and commitment to excellence, Agarkar believes, are crucial for team success.

New Delhi, Nov 29 (IANS) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that it had extended the contracts of head coach Rahul Dravid and the support staff of senior India men’s team.

In its statement, the BCCI said it engaged in productive discussions with Rahul Dravid after the term of his contract ended following the recently concluded 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and unanimously agreed to further the tenure, though it didn’t mention the duration of extension

Dravid had replaced Ravi Shastri as the India senior men’s head coach after the T20 World Cup in 2021 for a two-year term, along with support staff comprising Vikram Rathour (batting coach after 2019 ODI World Cup), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach).

"The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable. Together, we have witnessed the highs and lows, and throughout this journey, the support and camaraderie within the group have been phenomenal. I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room."

"It's a culture that stands resilient, whether in moments of triumph or adversity. The skills and talent that our team possesses are phenomenal, and what we've stressed is following the right process and sticking to our preparations, which has had a direct impact on the overall result."

"I thank the BCCI and the Office Bearers for placing their trust in me, endorsing my vision, and providing support during this period. The demands of this role necessitate considerable time away from home, and I deeply appreciate my family's sacrifices and support. Their instrumental role behind the scenes has been invaluable. As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence," said Dravid in the statement.

The contract of Dravid and the support staff had come to an end following India’s defeat to Australia in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, with speculations over their future with the team now coming to an end as the BCCI opts for continuity in coaching of senior men’s team.

"Mr Rahul Dravid’s vision, professionalism, and unyielding efforts have been important pillars in Team India’s success. As Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team, you are always under immense scrutiny and I extend appreciation to him not only for embracing the challenges but for thriving in them.”

“The performances of the Indian Team are a testament to his strategic guidance. I am delighted that he accepted the offer to remain the Head Coach, and it speaks of the mutual respect and shared vision between him and the BCCI. I have no doubt that under him, the team will continue its march to the pinnacle of success and set new benchmarks along the way," said BCCI President Roger Binny.

With the contracts extended, the first assignment of Dravid and support staff in their second stint will be the all-format tour of South Africa, comprising three T20Is and ODIs each, along with two Tests from December 10 to January 7.

The team will be back in India to play three T20Is against Afghanistan in January, followed by five Tests against England till March, before regrouping for the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.

“I had mentioned that there is no better person than Rahul Dravid to take over the role of Head Coach at the time of his appointment, and Mr. Dravid has proven himself again with his unparalleled commitment to excellence. Team India is now a formidable unit across formats, and our top ranking in all three formats directly reflects his vision, guidance, and the roadmap he charted for the team.”

“Having won 10 consecutive games before the final, our World Cup campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, and the Head Coach deserves appreciation for setting up the right platform for the team to flourish. The Head Coach has our full backing, and we will provide him with all the support needed for sustained success at the international level,” concluded BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.

New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) The Board of Cricket Council of India (BCCI) has put a ban on the use of fireworks during the remaining World Cup matches in Delhi and Mumbai over the deteriorating Air Quality Index (AQI) in these two cities.

Mumbai will be hosting two of the league matches on November 2 (India vs Sri Lanka), November 7 (Australia vs Afghanistan), and the semi-final on November 15, whereas Delhi will be hosting its last league match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on November 6.

BCCI is sensitive to environmental concerns. I took up the matter formally with the ICC and there won’t be any fireworks display in Mumbai, which can add to the pollution level. The Board is committed to combating environmental issues and will always place the interest of our fans and stakeholders at the forefront,” said BCCI secretary Jay Shah in a media statement on Wednesday.

“The BCCI acknowledges the urgent concern surrounding air quality in both Mumbai and New Delhi. While we strive to host the ICC World Cup in a manner befitting the celebration of cricket, we remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritising the health and safety of all our stakeholders.”

Both of the abovementioned cities are facing very poor quality of air, Delhi on Wednesday recorded “very poor” with an AQI of 372, whereas Mumbai ranged in “poor” category with an AQI of 150-200.

New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) The discussion on a likely date change in the India-Pakistan match for the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup is likely to take place when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials are going to join members of the state associations in a meeting in the national capital on July 27.

New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) The discussion on a likely date change in the India-Pakistan match for the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup is likely to take place when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials are going to join members of the state associations in a meeting in the national capital on July 27.

As per the current schedule, the India-Pakistan match, regarded as the most high-profile match of the ODI World Cup, is scheduled for October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

But the marquee match is clashing with the first day of the Navaratri festival, also on October 15, and the local police has told the BCCI that it would find it difficult to take care of security on the day.

"Yes, the meeting of BCCI officials with state associations set to host 2023 ODI World Cup matches is happening tomorrow in New Delhi. It is definitely likely that a talk around the possible change in date of India-Pakistan World Cup match to be held at Ahmedabad will happen, owing to a clash with the first day of Navaratri," a source privy to the development told IANS.

The big development comes nearly a month after the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup schedule was announced in Mumbai on June 27. 

If the India-Pakistan match is preponed, it could impact the overall ODI World Cup schedule.  As per the current schedule, October 14 is a double-header day in the tournament.

On October 14, defending champions England will be playing Afghanistan in a day match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, with New Zealand facing off against Bangladesh in a day-night game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

A change in the India-Pakistan Men's ODI World Cup match date will hugely affect scores of fans and other major stakeholders, who have already booked accommodation and flight tickets for Ahmedabad for one of the most-anticipated games in the marquee event.

New Delhi, July 23 (IANS) Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli might have scored exhilarating centuries in the ongoing Test series against West Indies but the Team management missed a crucial aspect of nurturing the upcoming prodigies of World cricket keeping in mind the next cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC).

Following Australia's emphatic win over India in the WTC 2023, it was a perfect opportunity for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to give chance to young guns who had proven their mettle in the domestic setup.

Also with the likes of captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane being closer to the end of their careers, it was the right time for the Team management to give to players having minimal international experience against the weak West Indies side.

However, nothing of this happened and a full-strength squad was picked for the West Indies Test series in June last month with Cheteshwar Pujara being the only exception.

Rahane, who had made a return to the Test squad after an 18-month hiatus, did impress in the WTC final against Australia but the right-handed batter since then has scored just 11 runs in the two innings against West Indies.

Moreover, Rahane was made the vice-captain of the squad. Having played just 1 Test match in the last 18 months, it did raise some serious questions about BCCI's approach towards the future of Indian cricket.

The selection calls were also under scrutiny because 2023 being a World Cup year, and everyone expected the older lot to have some adequate rest having played continuous cricket (Indian Premier League and WTC).

India boasts an expansive talent pool at the grassroots level. 21-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was picked up for the West Indies Test, slammed 171 on debut and showed the world what a youngster is capable of if he is given an opportunity at the international level.

Bowler Mukesh Kumar, who made his debut in the second Test, too grabbed some eyeballs as he dismissed Kirk McKenzie giving India a much-needed breakthrough in the ongoing Test match against West Indies.

India's bowling coach Paras Mhambrey lavished praise on Mukesh after the close of play on Day 3 on Saturday (local time).

"Given the conditions, the way he has gone about putting everything behind the ball that is very heartening to see and that is what is expected from him and from the team management this is what we wanted. Just to give his best and this is what he has done," Mhambrey said after the stumps on Day 3

"I am extremely happy with the progress he has shown from the first ball of the first session he bowled to the second new ball where he showed some signs of moving the new ball it was real quality stuff," he added.

When WTC 25 will be staged, skipper Rohit Sharma will be 38 years old, Virat Kohli will be 36 years old and Rahane will be 37, with the youngsters like Sarfaraz Khan, and Arshdeep Singh knocking the door of selectors on the back of some scintillating performances in the first-class cricket, the team management need to take some harsh call if India wants to lift the Test mace having lost two finals on trot.

Also prioritising giving chances to the young guns is an investment in the long-term success of the team, to build a solid core, one needs to start taking bold calls at least two years prior to the mega event.

Former India pacer Ajit Agarkar, who had recently been appointed as the chairman of the senior men’s selection committee, needs to adopt a futuristic approach else the team might face a similar fate as in the last two WTC finals.

The management should strike a balance between emerging players and the regular playing XI so that there is ample opportunity for the younger lot to learn from the experience and contribute to India's success on the world stage.

New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Wednesday rubbished the reports suggesting that he will visit Pakistan for the Asia Cup 2023.

“I have not agreed to anything. This is just plain miscommunication. Probably done deliberately or mischievously. I’ll not be making any visit," Jay Shah was quoted as saying by ‘News18 CricketNext’.

Earlier on Tuesday, BCCI secretary Shah and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Zaka Ashraf met on the sidelines of the ongoing ICC meet in Durban where the two discussed the Asia Cup and 50-over World Cup.

It’s being reported in the media that Shah accepted Ashraf’s invitation to visit the neighbouring nation for Asia Cup fixtures.

However, IPL chairman and CEC representative of BCCI at ICC, Arun Dhumal, has also denied such reports. “Whatever the reports, they’re completely false," he said.

Meanwhile, the ‘hybrid arrangement’ of the Asia Cup tournament will stay, where Pakistan will host four games while Sri Lanka will host nine games including all knockouts and the final.

New Delhi, June 29 (IANS) Important issues like the Indian teams' participation in the Asian Games and sponsorship and media rights will be discussed in the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) Apex Council meeting, which is likely to take place on July 7.

As per the reports, the participation of BCCI in the upcoming Asian Games for both men's and women's teams will be one of the important matters on the agenda of the meeting. The Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.

The upcoming meeting is also expected to discuss sponsorship and media rights for the BCCI.

Earlier, this month BCCI had announced the release of an Invitation to Tender for National Team Lead Sponsor Rights after Ed-Tech major BYJU's left the scene at the end of the last financial year.

Furthermore, the playing conditions pertaining to the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Tournament, specifically the Impact Player Rule, are likely to be addressed or discussed in the meeting.