The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is on the cusp of a leadership transition, with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for the last week of September. Key positions, including the president and IPL chairman, are up for grabs, setting the stage for a potentially significant power shift within Indian cricket.

The most anticipated decision revolves around the next BCCI president. Roger Binny, who took over the top post in October 2022 from Sourav Ganguly, had to step down after turning 70 in July, as per BCCI's constitution. Currently, vice-president Rajeev Shukla has stepped in as acting president. However, the official elections for key posts are scheduled to take place during the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the last week of September.

According to reports, the frontrunner to replace Binny is a legendary Indian cricketer, known for breaking multiple records during his playing days. Informal discussions have reportedly taken place with the former Indian cricketer during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. A senior political figure is believed to have met with the cricketing legend in England recently to discuss the top post. While the cricketer's response remains unclear, this move signals serious intent from influential circles.

There is a growing sentiment among important stakeholders that a cricketer of distinction should always be elected as president, continuing the precedent set by Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny. The central government has long emphasized increased athlete representation in sports bodies, so the potential elevation of a high-profile cricketer aligns with this broader trend. Currently, former sprinter P.T. Usha heads the Indian Olympic Association, further underscoring this shift toward athlete-led governance.

Meanwhile, the position of IPL chairman is also set for a change. Current IPL chairman Arun Dhumal will most likely step aside due to the mandatory three-year cooling-off rule, having completed a cumulative six-year tenure in office. Names circulating as potential successors include former Mumbai Cricket Association secretary Sanjay Naik and current BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla. If Shukla assumes the IPL chairman's role, Rakesh Tiwary, Bihar Cricket Association president and BJP leader, could become a frontrunner for the BCCI vice-presidency.

Devajit Saikia will continue as BCCI secretary, having completed three years cumulatively across roles. Similarly, joint secretary Rohan Gauns Desai and treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia are into their first year and will retain their positions.

The impending National Sports Bill could significantly alter eligibility and cooling-off norms in the future. If implemented before the 2026 AGM, figures like Rajeev Shukla, whose vice-presidency began in 2020, may be exempt from mandatory cooling-off requirements.

This year's elections will follow the BCCI's own constitutional rules, and only a handful of vacancies are expected to be filled. Nevertheless, with high-profile posts such as the BCCI president and IPL chairman at stake, the 2025 AGM promises to be a pivotal event in shaping Indian cricket's administrative future.