Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh Lead Frontrunners for BCCI Presidency Amid Political Involvement

The upcoming Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) presidential election, scheduled for September 28, features prominent former cricketers including Sourav Ganguly, Harbhajan Singh, Raghuram Bhat, and Jaydev Shah as frontrunners, with Kiran More also in contention due to government backing. An informal high-profile meeting is expected at Home Minister Amit Shah's residence, where BCCI officials and BJP leaders will discuss the future leadership, signaling significant government influence in the selection process. Sourav Ganguly, previously BCCI president until 2022, is viewed as a strong candidate seeking a return, while Harbhajan Singh has been nominated by the Punjab Cricket Association. The BJP supports the trend of appointing former athletes to lead national sports bodies, as seen in other federations. Meanwhile, controversy surrounds the Hyderabad Cricket Association's acting president Daljeet Singh's nomination due to alleged procedural violations and governance issues, highlighting ongoing administrative challenges ahead of the AGM. The meeting will also address IPL governing council appointments and national selectors, making it a critical juncture for Indian cricket administration.