Sachin Tendulkar Refutes BCCI President Speculation Ahead of Elections

Batting great Sachin Tendulkar has put an end to rumours linking him with the role of president of the Indian cricket board (BCCI). Tendulkar’s management group confirmed that no such development has taken place in the lead-up to the BCCI elections, scheduled for 28 September.

“It has come to our attention that certain reports and rumours have been circulating regarding Mr Sachin Tendulkar being considered, or nominated, for the position of President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). We wish to state categorically that no such development has taken place,” Tendulkar’s management team said in a statement on Thursday, 11 September.

The BCCI will conduct elections for the posts of president, vice-President, secretary, joint secretary and treasurer on September 28 at its Annual General Meeting. A high-level meeting will be held before the AGM to discuss names for the key roles, including the president and secretary.

Rajeev Shukla took over as the interim president of the BCCI after Roger Binny's tenure came to an end in August. Binny turned 70 last month and according to the existing BCCI constitution, no administrator can hold the post after turning 70.

The contest for the top posts remains wide open. For the presidency, no decision has yet been taken, with both a former player and a cricket administrator under consideration. Current Vice-President Rajeev Shukla is regarded as a leading contender. According to sources, three scenarios are being discussed — he could continue as Vice-President, be elevated to BCCI President, or assume charge as IPL Chairman. While the most likely outcome appears to be his continuation in the current role, there is said to be a 60-40 chance of his promotion to president.