New Delhi: With less than a week remaining to file nominations (September 20-21) the race for BCCI next BCCI president heats up. Informed state association members say that talks about the appointment of the new BCCI chief with relevant officials in the BJP-led central government are anticipated to begin shortly. It’s very clear that the BJP will play a key role in deciding the next set of office-bearers and following recent trends a former player might lead the board. In 2019 the party supported Sourav Ganguly the former India captain and in 2022 it backed World Cup winner Roger Binny. Candidate must receive a nomination from a state unit To enter the election a candidate must receive a nomination from a state unit. Three former internationals candidates Sourav Ganguly from Bengal Harbhajan Singh from Punjab and Raghuram Bhatt from Karnataka are listed among the state association representatives attending the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election on September 28. A few domestic cricket veterans which includes Jaydev Shah (Saurashtra) and Mithun Minhas (J&K) are also on the list but the general opinion is that the government favors a former international player. This pattern is also visible in other major national sports bodies as well such as the Indian Olympic Association (PT Usha) Hockey India (Dilip Tirkey) and the All India Football Federation (Kalyan Chaubey). Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as president of CAB Although Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) nothing would prevent him from rejoining the BCCI if he is re-elected to the position. Harbhajan Singh who has played over 100 Tests was an unexpected choice as the Punjab Cricket Association’s (PCA) nominee. Both he and Raghuram Bhatt (67) who appeared in two home Tests against the West Indies in 1983 have remained quiet since their names were announced. Rajeev Shukla a regular candidate in BCCI elections since Jagmohan Dalmiyas time is another contender. Since Roger Binny reached the constitutionally mandated age of 70 to hold office he has been acting as president and is currently the vice president. Sanjay Naik not likely to be considered Contrary to rumors sources say Sanjay Naik the vice-president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is not likely to be considered for any office-bearer position including chairmanship of the IPL Governing Council. He will only be representing the MCA at the AGM despite reports that he might be in line for a prominent position in the BCCI. As previously reported incumbents Prabhtej Bhatia (Chhattisgarh) and Devajit Saikia (Assam) will remain treasurer and secretary respectively. However because of issues in his home state of Goa Rohan Dessais appointment as joint secretary is uncertain. Clarification is anticipated within the next day or two regarding the vice-president and IPL chairman positions which are still open. Story Highlight The race for BCCI next BCCI president heats up with less than a week remaining to file nominations. Three former internationals candidates Sourav Ganguly from Bengal Harbhajan Singh from Punjab and Raghuram Bhatt from Karnataka are listed among the state association representatives attending the AGM. Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) nothing would prevent him from rejoining the BCCI if he is re-elected to the position. Sanjay Naik the vice-president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is not likely to be considered for any office-bearer position.