Former President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Inderjit Singh Bindra passed away on Sunday (January 25). He breathed his last at his residence in Delhi at the age of 84. BCCI has expressed deep condolences on his demise. The board said in its statement that Bindra was one of the most influential figures in the Indian cricket administration. His vision and leadership guided the governance of the game in the country and its representation on the international stage.
Board Chairman Mithun Manhas said, ‘IS Bindra was a visionary administrator. His leadership helped redefine India’s role in world cricket. His contribution was not limited to just governance, but he played a vital role in creating systems and institutions that still serve players, administrators and the game itself today. BCCI mourns the demise of a stalwart of Indian cricket administration.
International Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah also condoled the demise of IS Bindra. He wrote on X, ‘My deepest condolences on the demise of former BCCI President and Indian Cricket Administration legend IS Bindra. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.’
IS Bindra was an efficient diplomat and bureaucrat. He retired as Special Secretary to Giani Zail Singh, the 7th President of India and later became the President of BCCI. His tenure lasted from 1993 to 1996. IS Bindra also worked as the Principal Advisor to former ICC Chairman Sharad Pawar. He influenced the decision making of BCCI and ICC with his wide network. He was also the head of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) from 1978 to 2014.
IS Bindra played an important role in taking the World Cup out of England. He along with former BCCI President NKP Salve and Jagmohan Dalmiya got the 1987 World Cup hosted by India. This was the first time that the World Cup was held outside England. IS Bindra played an important role in reducing the dominance of Western countries, due to which Asian countries under the leadership of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka together ensured that the World Cup was held in the subcontinent for the first time.
IS Bindra did not get along well with Jagmohan Dalmia. Nevertheless, he along with Dalmiya organized the 1996 World Cup co-hosted by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It is because of administrators like IS Bindra and Jagmohan Dalmia that BCCI is so financially strong today. IS Bindra also built the PCA Stadium in Mohali. In 2015, the stadium was renamed IS Bindra Stadium in his honour.
