Who is Devajit Saikia? Ex-Assam cricketer replaces Jay Shah as BCCI secretary

From the cricket field to the corridors of power, Assam's Devajit Saikia brings a unique blend of experience as he takes over as BCCI secretary, succeeding Jay Shah, who now leads the ICC as its chairman.

In Short

• Devajit Saikia elected as new BCCI secretary
• He replaces Jay Shah for the top post
• Jay Shah appointed as ICC chairman on December 1

Hailing from Assam, Devajit Saikia has forged an astonishing journey through cricket, law, and administration. Recently stepping into the role of secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Saikia succeeds Jay Shah, who now serves as the ICC chairman.

Saikia’s cricketing career may not have been long, but it reflects his early passion for the game. A wicketkeeper-batsman, he represented Assam in four first-class matches between 1990 and 1991, scoring 53 runs at an average of 8.83. His highest score was 54, and he accounted for eight catches and one stumping during his stint. However, limited opportunities led him to explore other fields where he excelled.

When Saikia practised law

Post-cricket, Saikia built a thriving legal career. At 28, he began practising law at the Gauhati High Court. Through sports quotas, he also worked with the Northern Frontier Railways and the Reserve Bank of India, showcasing his adaptability. His expertise and dedication eventually earned him the position of Advocate General and Chief Legal Adviser to the Government of Assam under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Saikia’s foray into cricket administration began in 2016 when he became one of the vice presidents of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), led by Sarma. His significant contributions led to his appointment as ACA secretary in 2019, a position that strengthened his reputation as a capable administrator.

BCCI gets its new secretary

As the new BCCI Secretary, Saikia’s first assignment was to attend a meeting alongside BCCI President Roger Binny. The discussion revolved around India’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Sources revealed that captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir were also present to share insights.

At 55, Saikia brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His journey from a cricketer to a top legal advisor and administrator highlights his versatility and commitment. With his appointment, Saikia became the first individual from Assam to hold such a prestigious position in Indian cricket, marking a proud moment for the state.

Devajit Saikia’s blend of cricketing, legal, and administrative skills sets the tone for a promising tenure as he takes charge of one of the most influential roles in world cricket.