Devajit Saikia was officially appointed as the new Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), succeeding Jay Shah, who transitioned to the role of ICC Chairman.
This announcement came during a Special General Meeting of the BCCI, where Prabhtej Singh Bhatia was also elected as the new Treasurer.
Who is Devajit Saikia?
Devajit Saikia is a former first-class cricketer from Assam, India, who has carved a niche for himself in cricket administration.
He played as a wicketkeeper-batsman during the 1990-91 season, representing Assam in four first-class matches, where he scored a total of 53 runs and made nine dismissals.
Although his playing career was brief, it laid the foundation for his future endeavors in cricket administration.
Transition to Law and Administration
After his cricketing career, Saikia transitioned into law, beginning his practice at the age of 28 in the Gauhati High Court.
His professional journey included roles in various organizations, including securing positions with the Northern Frontier Railways and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through sports quotas.
Saikia’s entry into cricket administration began in 2016 when he was appointed as one of the six vice presidents of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) under the presidency of Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is currently the Chief Minister of Assam.
He later served as the Secretary of the ACA starting in 2019. His experience in these roles equipped him with valuable insights into cricket governance and operations.
Role as BCCI Secretary
Saikia’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Indian cricket. He had been acting as interim secretary since Jay Shah’s elevation to ICC Chairman on December 1, 2024.
In this capacity, he attended meetings alongside BCCI President Roger Binny to discuss India’s performance in recent tournaments, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
As Secretary, Saikia will oversee crucial administrative functions within the BCCI and will be responsible for strategic decision-making that impacts Indian cricket at both domestic and international levels.
His multifaceted background in both cricket and law positions him well to navigate the complexities of cricket administration.
Jay Shah’s Legacy
Jay Shah’s tenure as BCCI Secretary was marked by significant achievements, including overseeing major tournaments like the 2023 Cricket World Cup and facilitating infrastructure developments such as the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
His transition to ICC Chairman reflects his contributions to Indian cricket and sets high expectations for Saikia as he steps into this prominent role.
