East zone to field Amitabh Chaudhary as BCCI Presidential candidate

Amitabh Chaudhary at the International Stadium Complex in Ranchi

The tragic demise of administrative juggernaut Jagmohan Dalmiya seems to have left the BCCI Presidential candidacy race wide open. The East Zone have decided to separate themselves from the pact and field their own candidate in Amitabh Chaudhary, who has been a stalwart of the Jharkhand Cricket Association (JCA) for the past decade.

The East Zone primarily comprises of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Tripura, Assam, Odisha and the National Cricket Club. While several sources are backing the likes of former President Sharad Pawar and current Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Rajeev Shukla, it is highly possible that they will not get any backing from the Eastern region.

Pawar’s candidature is still a far-fetched one as several sources from within the BCCI have indicated that he will not stand for the position until he gets a guarantee of 16 votes. However, with the vote bank being of six members, this could make Pawar think otherwise as to succeeding Dalmiya.

Chaudhary has done wonders for Jharkhand cricket: CAB

A senior Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) said, “Chaudhary is a tried and tested administrator and has done wonders for cricket in Jharkhand. He has also been a IPS officer and knows how to handle administrative claims. I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t be given a chance to be at the helm.”

He added, “Chaudhry has been an office bearer for the BCCI and has also attended the board meetings on a regular basis. We want someone from the East so succede Mr Dalmiya till 2017, if not then we will not be backing anyone else.”

However, former President N Srinivasan is key to the entire process as he controls a majority of the vote bank and has a strong backing from the East. Especially in states such as Assam and Jharkhand, and Chaudhary himself is considered a ‘Srinivasan-loyalist’. According to a senior BCCI official, Srinivasan is said to control more than 15 votes, thus branding him as the ‘king-maker’.

The Presidential Succession is a matter being said to be discussed in the coming Special Governing body meeting. However, with the new Srinivasan attendance twist, there is a cloud over when the next meeting will be held. Bengal will be represented by Joint Secretary Subir Ganguly.