In a major boost before the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) and polls, Electoral Officer AK Joti has rejected all objections filed against the candidature of many top candidates, including former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh, Rajeev Shukla, and Raghuram Bhat. The ruling paves the way for them to contest the BCCI polls unopposed.
Electoral Officer Rejects Objections to Seven Nominations
35 state associations fielded representatives for the next BCCI elections, but objections had been filed in seven instances, including from the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Upon meticulous checking, AK Joti declared the nominations valid and the objections legally untenable.
Nomination of Harbhajan Singh Objectionable, Says PCA Member
Key Charges
A life member of PCA, Rakesh Handa, complained to Harbhajan Singh alleging that his nomination was unconstitutional.
The complaint referenced a pending issue regarding the appointment of Harbhajan as the “Chief Cricketing Advisor” of PCA.
He was accused of retaining multiple posts in the PCA, which was a case of conflict of interest.
Response and Verdict:
PCA President Amarjit Singh clarified that the advisory role of Harbhajan Singh was honorary and did not attract any monetary benefit. Upon going through the documentation and clarification, Joti rejected the complaint, endorsing the nomination of Harbhajan.
Rajeev Shukla’s Nomination Upheld by Electoral Officer
There was also a letter of objection against Rajeev Shukla’s appointment to be the representative of UPCA. However, additionally in the statement from UPCA’s CEO Ankit Chatterjee, the proposal was confirmed, to have gone through the proper channels.
The poll officer observed that Shukla’s nomination was “complete in all aspects.” The experienced cricket administrator is now set to be re-elected as BCCI vice-president.
Raghuram Bhat Cleared Despite Legal Allegation
A complaint against Raghuram Bhat, who was nominated by KSCA, referred to his alleged participation in a criminal case involving the June 4 RCB-Chinnaswamy episode.
After a formal reply from KSCA CEO Shubhendu Ghosh, the electoral officer found no legal merit in the objection. As a result, Bhat will take charge as BCCI Treasurer.
Other Nomination Objections Dismissed
Goa Cricket Association (GCA):
Vipul Phadke, GCA President, opposed Rohan Gauns Dessai’s nomination, claiming it wasn’t forwarded by the authorized signatory. Joti ruled the application was valid and the allegations baseless.
Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA):
The nomination of Daljit Singh was challenged but retained upon scrutiny.
Baroda Cricket Association (BCA):
Objections to Pranav Amin were likewise rejected.
Arunachal Cricket Association:
The objection to Nabam Vivek’s nomination lacked legal merit.
BCCI AGM 2025: Mithun Manhas To Be Elected President
The BCCI Annual General Meeting will take place on Sunday, September 28, where Mithun Manhas will be elected President, unopposed.
Other unopposed office bearers are:
Devajit Saikia – Secretary (continuing)
Raghuram Bhat – Treasurer
Changes in Selection Committees
Men’s Senior Selection Committee:
New Members: Pragyan Ojha, RP Singh
Women’s Selection Panel:
Four new selectors to be appointed
Junior Selection Committee:
S Sharath to be appointed as Chairman
Key AGM Agenda Items
Elections & Appointments:
BCCI Apex Council and IPL Governing Council representatives
Ombudsman and Ethics Officer
Auditors for FY 2025-26
Standing and Cricket Committees
Reports & Approvals:
Secretary’s Annual Report (2024-25)
Treasurer’s Report & Audited Accounts
Annual Budget for FY 2025-26
Internal Committee Report under POSH Policy
New Initiatives:
Composition of Women’s Premier League Committee
Appointment of BCCI representatives to the ICC
Ratifications and Notices:
Ratify Apex Council Rules (Rule 15)
Take on board any valid motions tabled by Full Members
Clean Slate for Harbhajan Singh and Others
With all objections formally rejected, the way is now open for Harbhajan Singh, Rajeev Shukla, and Raghuram Bhat to assume important positions in the BCCI. The decision of Electoral Officer AK Joti will ensure a smooth election process prior to an important AGM that lays the groundwork for the 2025-26 cricket season.
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