Former BCCI President IS Bindra passes away aged 84
Former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra has passed away aged 84 in New Delhi.
Bindra, a veteran administrator and a pivotal force in the evolution of Indian cricket, served as the BCCI president between 1993 and 1996. He also served as the Punjab Cricket Association chief for 36 years between 1978 and 2014, when he retired from cricket administration.
Bindra, along with former presidents NKP Salve and Jagmohan Dalmiya, played an important role in India securing the hosting rights for the 1987 World Cup, the first time the tournament was held outside the UK.
As PCA president, he was instrumental in the development of the PCA Stadium in Mohali which was later named after him.
Bindra's Supreme Court petition in 1994, aimed at ending Doordarshan's monopoly on cricket broadcasts, proved a turning point. A favourable judgement enabled his group to bring in global broadcasters and make India the sport's biggest television market.
"Mr I.S. Bindra was a visionary administrator whose leadership helped redefine India's role in world cricket," BCCI President Mithun Manhas said. "His contributions went far beyond governance as he helped build systems and institutions that continue to serve players, administrators and the game itself to this day. The BCCI mourns the loss of a true stalwart of Indian cricket administration."
BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia also paid rich tributes to Bindra. "Indian cricket has lost one of its most influential architects," Saikia said. "Mr Bindra's commitment to the game, his administrative foresight and his passion for creating enduring infrastructure have left a legacy that will be remembered with deep respect across the cricketing fraternity. On behalf of the BCCI, I extend our deepest sympathies to Mr Bindra's family, friends and the entire cricketing fraternity during this time of profound grief."
ICC Chair and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah said on X: "Deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. I S Bindra, former BCCI president and a stalwart of Indian cricket administration. May his legacy inspire future generations. Om Shanti."
