From Wicketkeeper to Kingmaker: Kiran More Tipped as Next BCCI President
- Former India wicketkeeper Kiran More has emerged as frontrunner for BCCI presidency.
- Roger Binny stepped down after crossing the 70-year age cap; Rajeev Shukla is interim VP.
- Sources say BCCI may opt for a unanimous choice instead of elections on September 28.
- More’s cricketing background and administrative experience make him a strong candidate.
Looks like the winds of change are blowing through Indian cricket administration. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Kiran More has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to take charge as the next BCCI President, with insiders suggesting that the board may avoid a contest and settle on him unanimously.
Why The Position Is Open
The chair of the president has been vacant since Roger Binny stepped down after turning 70 on July 19, thereby crossing the official age limit set for administrators. In the meantime, vice-president Rajeev Shukla has been holding fort. But with key decisions pending and India preparing to host several marquee ICC tournaments in the coming years, the hunt for a stable and influential figure at the helm has intensified.
Kiran More in the Lead
According to sources, the BCCI brass explored options from the West Zone, including a candidate from Saurashtra. But as the discussions progressed, Kiran More began to emerge as the consensus choice. Reports suggest that most state associations are already aligned in his favour, raising the possibility that the scheduled September 28 elections might be scrapped in favour of a unanimous selection.
IPL chairman also hinted recently that the board would prefer a smooth transition through consensus, reflecting the mood across associations. If all goes according to plan, More could take charge without opposition.
More’s Cricketing Pedigree and Administrative Stints
Born in 1962, Kiran More represented India as a wicketkeeper from 1984 to 1993, featuring in 49 Tests and 94 ODIs. He was part of India’s Asia Cup-winning squads in 1988 and 1991. Known for his agility behind the stumps and fearless batting, More carved a niche for himself in a transitional era of Indian cricket.
After retirement, he switched seamlessly into administrative roles. He served as Chairman of Selectors at BCCI, playing a pivotal role in shaping squads during the mid-2000s. More also brought his expertise into the IPL as a wicketkeeping consultant for Mumbai Indians, helping groom the next generation of Indian cricketers.
His global exposure includes serving as Director of Cricket and interim coach of USA Cricket in 2019, guiding them during a crucial phase after gaining ODI status. Presently, he heads the Cricket Advisory Committee of the Baroda Cricket Association, continuing his involvement in the game’s grassroots and strategic development.
Why This Could Be A Game-Changer
If More takes over, it would mark a rare occasion when a former cricketer sits at the very top of the BCCI hierarchy — a move that could resonate positively with both fans and stakeholders. With India set to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 and other major tournaments, having someone who understands both the sport and the politics of cricket administration could prove invaluable.
For Indian cricket, this transition could mean a stronger focus on cricketing merit over pure politics. More’s blend of on-field experience and off-field leadership could make him the steady hand BCCI needs as it navigates an increasingly globalized and competitive cricketing landscape.
