The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will hold its Apex Council Meeting on September 25, where Jay Shah’s replacement as BCCI secretary is not on the agenda. Jay Shah, who was recently elected as the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, will assume the new role on December 1, 2024. However, he will continue as BCCI secretary for another two months.
Though the BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) is set for September 29 in Bengaluru, where the board could have elected a new secretary, the matter will be postponed. The BCCI plans to call a Special General Meeting (SGM) in November or December to elect Shah’s successor after he officially transitions to his ICC role.
Agenda for the Apex Council Meeting:
- Byju’s Payment Issue: BCCI will address its ongoing dispute with ed-tech firm Byju’s over non-payment of dues for jersey sponsorship. Despite signing a $55-million deal in 2019, Byju’s failed to make payments after September 2022, leading the BCCI to take legal action. Although a settlement was reached in July, the Supreme Court later issued a stay on the agreement.
- National Cricket Academy (NCA): The meeting will also include discussions on plans for a new National Cricket Academy, aiming to enhance India’s cricket infrastructure.
- Renovation of BCCI Headquarters: Another topic of discussion will be the renovation of the BCCI’s headquarters in Mumbai.
BCCI vs Byju’s
The BCCI’s legal battle with Byju’s over unpaid dues remains unresolved. After Byju’s failed to meet the terms of its $55-million sponsorship agreement, the BCCI took the matter to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLT). A settlement was agreed upon, with the BCCI expecting ₹158 crore by August 8. However, a stay order from the Supreme Court, prompted by Byju’s US lender GLAS Trust Co LLC, has delayed the payment.
As Jay Shah prepares to assume the ICC chairman role, the BCCI faces significant decisions in the coming months, with the next secretary election likely to take place closer to December.