The emergence of Harbhajan Singh as a potential candidate is a significant development. As a celebrated former cricketer who represented India in 367 international matches and claimed over 700 wickets, his name carries immense weight within the cricketing community. However, his profile extends beyond the boundary rope. In 2022, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of India's Parliament, by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), giving him significant political standing. This unique combination of a storied sporting career and an active political role makes him a formidable contender, should he formally enter the race. His potential candidacy comes on the heels of now-denied rumors that Sachin Tendulkar was also considering a run, signaling a growing interest from a new generation of former players in taking on administrative roles.
The potential contest is set against a clear and imminent timeline established by the BCCI's electoral officer, AK Joti. The official window for filing nominations is set for September 20 and 21. This will be followed by a day of scrutiny on September 22, with a final opportunity for candidates to withdraw their nominations on September 23. The final list of contestants will be made public that same day, with the election and the counting of votes scheduled to take place on September 28.
The process is strictly regulated. Only candidates who are formally nominated by a state cricket association are eligible to contest. Furthermore, all representatives must file a declaration detailing any past or present elected positions held within the BCCI or its member associations, a measure designed to ensure transparency.
While the presidency could see a genuine and high-profile contest, the rest of the board's leadership appears set for a period of continuity. It is widely expected that the incumbents in other key positions—including Devajit Saikia as secretary, Rohan Dessai as joint secretary, and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as treasurer—will be re-elected without opposition. This places the spotlight squarely on the battle for the top job, which could reshape the administrative landscape of Indian cricket for years to come. The final list of state association representatives, who will form the electoral college for the vote, is expected to be announced this Saturday, at which point the political maneuvering ahead of the nomination dates will begin in earnest.
