Know all details about the new BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia along with his bio, age, father and career journey
Devajit Saikia, the former Assam cricketer, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), succeeding Jay Shah. His first responsibility in this new role was to attend a crucial meeting with BCCI President Roger Binny, where they discussed India’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia. Captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir were also present, as the board delved into the team’s recent struggles in Test cricket.
Who is ex-cricketer and lawyer Devajit Saikia, new BCCI secretary, biography, age, family, education, hometown birth place, salary and stats
An unknown among fans after a modest playing career, Saikia has close ties with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Reports revealed that the meeting was extensive, focusing heavily on the decline of India’s Test cricket performances, especially the batting lineup. The management sought to understand why Indian batsmen were underperforming despite a strong team composition. After a thorough analysis, it was agreed that steps would be taken to address these issues, with plans to implement changes after the Champions Trophy. Alongside Saikia’s elevation to Secretary, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia was elected as the new Treasurer of the BCCI. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla highlighted the importance of the upcoming IPL, which is set to start on March 23.
Assam Cricket Association (ACA) takes immense pride in celebrating a historic moment for Assam as Mr. Devajit Saikia has been elected as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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— Assam Cricket Association (@assamcric) January 12, 2025
Who is Devajit Saikia?
Devajit Saikia was born on April 19, 1969, to Tunga Bhadra Saikia and Dipika Saikia at Happy Villa, Uzan Bazar, in Guwahati. Fondly known by his nickname ‘Lon,’ Saikia completed his schooling at Don Bosco School in Guwahati, where he passed his HSLC examination in 1984. His academic journey continued at Cotton College under the Gauhati University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Economics in 1990, followed by a Master’s Degree in Economics in 1994. Saikia’s passion for learning led him to pursue a career in law, culminating in an LLB degree from Old Earle Law College (now BRM Govt. Law College) in 1996, also under the auspices of the Gauhati University.
As a former first-class cricketer, Saikia played as a wicketkeeper for Assam between 1990 and 1991, featuring in four matches, where he scored 53 runs and took 9 dismissals. Although his cricket career was brief, Saikia’s post-cricket journey has been marked by significant accomplishments. After retiring from cricket, Saikia pursued a career in law, practicing as a lawyer at the Gauhati High Court from the age of 28. Before entering the legal profession, he also worked with the Northern Frontier Railway and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) through the sports quota.
Saikia’s venture into cricket administration began in 2016 when he was appointed one of the six vice-presidents of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) under the leadership of Himanta Biswa Sarma, the current Chief Minister of Assam. Saikia’s rise within the ACA continued, and by 2019, he became the association’s Secretary. With a rich blend of experience in both sports and administration, Devajit Saikia’s appointment as BCCI Secretary marks the beginning of a promising new era for Indian cricket.
Saikia has been serving as the interim Secretary of the BCCI since Shah’s departure on December 1 and according to the BCCI constitution, any vacant position must be filled within 45 days by convening a Special General Meeting (SGM).
While Saikia’s salary as the BCCI secretary isn’t known yet, as the secretary, Jay Shah earned approximately ₹84,000 ($1,000) daily for attending international cricket meetings or tours. For meetings within India, he received ₹40,000 a day and travels in business class and when on work trips in India not tied to meetings, he was entitled to ₹30,000 daily. The BCCI also covered his domestic and international stays, often booking luxury hotel suites for him.
Historic Day for Assam Cricket Fraternity
Assam Cricket Association extends its warmest congratulations to Mr Devajit Saikia, on his election as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
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— Assam Cricket Association (@assamcric) January 12, 2025
know all details about Devajit:
- Birthday: April 19, 1969
- Age: 55-years-old
- Parents: Tunga Bhadra Saikia and Dipika Saikia
- Nationality: Indian
- Education: Masters in Economics and LLB
- Alma mater: Cotton College, Gauhati University