Harbhajan Singh Eyes BCCI Presidency: Former Spinner Reportedly Nominated for Top Cricket Administration Role

Harbhajan Singh is the latest former India cricketer to be linked with the presidency of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

According to a Cricbuzz report, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) is tipped to have nominated the 45-year-old former spinner for the top post. The official list of nominations has yet to be confirmed, but only candidates backed by a state association are eligible to contest.

Harbhajan, who represented India in 367 internationals and took over 700 wickets across formats, has also been active in public life. In 2022, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), underscoring his growing influence beyond cricket.

The BCCI election process begins later this month. As per electoral officer AK Joti, the nomination window will be open on September 20 and 21, with scrutiny on September 22. Candidates will be allowed to withdraw on September 23, and the final list of contestants will be released that day. Voting and counting are scheduled for September 28.

Meanwhile, Friday (September 12) was the last day for state associations to submit the names of their representatives eligible to attend the AGM and, if necessary, cast votes. The complete list is expected to be announced on Saturday (September 13).

In addition to the presidency, elections will also be held for the posts of vice-president, secretary, joint secretary and treasurer. However, contests for these positions appear unlikely, with incumbents Devajit Saikia, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia and Rohan Dessai expected to retain their roles as secretary, treasurer and joint secretary, respectively.

Candidates will also be required to disclose any past or present elective positions held in the BCCI or its member associations. This information must be filed in the prescribed Form C, signed by the representative and attested by a notary, as per the electoral officer’s notification.

Harbhajan’s name surfaces shortly after Sachin Tendulkar was rumoured to be in the fray for the top job — speculation his camp has already denied. Whether the PCA’s nomination translates into Harbhajan’s formal entry into the race will become clear in the coming days.