BCCI Secretary Saikia elected ICC Governance Review Committee Chair at Edinburgh
Synopsis
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has been handed a dual mandate at the ICC — chairing the new Governance Review Committee while joining the Franchise Leagues Committee. The appointments, ratified in Edinburgh, place India's cricket board at the heart of both global governance reform and the regulation of the booming franchise cricket ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
Devajit Saikia , BCCI Secretary, elected Chair of the newly formed ICC Governance Review Committee at the ICC Annual Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland on 16 July .
Saikia also named a member of the new ICC Franchise Leagues Committee , chaired by Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal .
The Governance Review Committee includes Cricket South Africa's Dr Mohammed Moosajee and ICC Independent Director Dr Ros Rivaz .
BCCI president Mithun Manhas congratulated Saikia via a post on X , calling the appointments 'a fitting recognition' of his contribution to cricket administration.
The Franchise Leagues Committee includes representatives from Cricket Namibia , ECB , Cricket Australia , BCB , and BCCI .
Devajit Saikia, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been elected Chair of the newly constituted ICC Governance Review Committee and named a member of the ICC Franchise Leagues Committee at the International Cricket Council's Annual Conference held in Edinburgh, Scotland. The appointments were ratified by the ICC Board during its Annual Meetings on 16 July, marking a significant elevation in Saikia's standing within global cricket administration.
New ICC Sub-Committees and Saikia's Roles
The ICC Board approved the formation of two new sub-committees at its Annual Meetings. Saikia will lead the Governance Review Committee, working alongside Cricket South Africa's Dr Mohammed Moosajee and ICC Independent Director Dr Ros Rivaz. Separately, the Franchise Leagues Committee — which Saikia joins as a member — will be chaired by Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal.
The Franchise Leagues Committee draws representation from Cricket Namibia, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Cricket Australia, the Bangladesh Cricket Board, and the BCCI, reflecting the ICC's focus on governing the rapidly expanding global franchise cricket landscape.
BCCI President Manhas Congratulates Saikia
BCCI president Mithun Manhas praised Saikia's appointments in a post on X, describing them as a fitting recognition of sustained service to the sport. 'Heartiest congratulations to my colleague at @BCCI, Devajit Saikia ji, for being elected as the Chair of ICC Governance Review Committee & as a Member, ICC Franchise Leagues Committee at the recent ICC Annual Conference at Edinburgh, Scotland,' Manhas wrote.
Manhas added: 'This distinguished appointment is a fitting recognition of unwavering commitment and invaluable contribution to the administration and growth of cricket.' He further expressed confidence in Saikia's ability to strengthen global cricket governance, stating: 'I am confident that his experience and vision will further strengthen the global development of our sport.'
What the Governance Review Committee Will Do
The Governance Review Committee is one of two new ICC board sub-committees established to oversee key aspects of cricket administration. Its formation signals the ICC's intent to review and potentially reform its internal governance structures at a time when franchise leagues — from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the SA20 and The Hundred — are reshaping the global cricket calendar and commercial landscape.
Notably, Saikia's dual appointment places the BCCI at the centre of both governance oversight and franchise league regulation within the ICC framework — a positioning that reflects India's dominant influence in world cricket.
What Comes Next
Both committees are expected to begin their work in the weeks following the Edinburgh conference. The Governance Review Committee's findings could shape structural reforms within the ICC, while the Franchise Leagues Committee will likely address issues of scheduling, player availability, and revenue-sharing as franchise cricket continues its global expansion. All eyes will be on how Saikia steers the governance panel given the BCCI's considerable stake in the outcomes.
Point of View
And how it regulates franchise leagues. That the same board whose IPL dominates global franchise cricket now has a seat at the table regulating franchise leagues globally is a tension worth watching. The Governance Review Committee's credibility will depend on whether it can operate independently of member-board interests — something the ICC has historically struggled to guarantee. Saikia's stewardship will be an early test of that independence.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICC Governance Review Committee that Devajit Saikia will chair?
The ICC Governance Review Committee is a newly constituted sub-committee approved by the ICC Board at its Annual Meetings in Edinburgh in July 2025. It is tasked with overseeing key aspects of cricket administration and governance reform within the ICC. Saikia will lead the panel alongside Cricket South Africa's Dr Mohammed Moosajee and ICC Independent Director Dr Ros Rivaz.
What is the ICC Franchise Leagues Committee?
The ICC Franchise Leagues Committee is a new ICC sub-committee formed to address governance, scheduling, and regulatory issues surrounding the rapidly growing global franchise cricket landscape. It is chaired by Bangladesh Cricket Board president Tamim Iqbal and includes representatives from Cricket Namibia, the ECB, Cricket Australia, the BCB, and the BCCI.
Who is Devajit Saikia?
Devajit Saikia is the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). His election as Chair of the ICC Governance Review Committee marks a significant rise in his international cricket administration profile.
Why did BCCI president Mithun Manhas congratulate Saikia on X?
BCCI president Mithun Manhas posted on X to publicly acknowledge Saikia's dual ICC appointments, calling them 'a fitting recognition of unwavering commitment and invaluable contribution to the administration and growth of cricket.' He also expressed confidence that Saikia's experience would strengthen global cricket governance.
Where was the ICC Annual Conference held in 2025?
The ICC Annual Conference at which Saikia's appointments were ratified was held in Edinburgh, Scotland. The ICC Board approved the formation of both new sub-committees during its Annual Meetings at the same event.
