Assam: Former Assam cricketer Devajit Saikia has been appointed as the new secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), taking over the role previously held by Jay Shah. Shah, who recently assumed the position of chairman at the International Cricket Council (ICC), had left the post vacant for just over a month.
Saikia, who hails from Assam, marked his first official task by attending a crucial meeting with BCCI President Roger Binny. The meeting, focused on India’s performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, was attended by key figures including captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir. According to sources, the discussions revolved around India’s recent struggles in Test cricket, and steps are expected to be taken following the conclusion of the Champions Trophy.
Devajit Saikia brings a diverse background to his new role, with experience in cricket, law, and administration. A former first-class cricketer, Saikia played as a wicketkeeper in four matches between 1990 and 1991, collecting 53 runs and 9 dismissals. After his cricket career, he turned to law, practicing at the Gauhati High Court starting at the age of 28. Saikia also secured roles in the Northern Frontier Railways and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through sports quotas.
His involvement in cricket administration began in 2016 when he became one of the six vice presidents of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) under the presidency of Hemanta Biswa Sarma, now the Chief Minister of Assam. Saikia later rose to the position of ACA secretary in 2019, further cementing his role in the sport’s governance.
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