In a strategic reshuffle aimed at strengthening cricket administration, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has elevated three seasoned administrators—Raghuram Bhat, Jaydev Shah, and Jayesh George—to key roles within its operational framework. The appointments, finalized during the BCCI’s Apex Council meeting held in Mumbai on September 28, 2025, reflect a renewed focus on regional representation, domestic cricket reform, and administrative continuity.
The trio brings decades of experience in cricket governance, having served in various capacities across state associations, selection committees, and tournament management. Their elevation is being seen as a move to consolidate BCCI’s internal structure ahead of a packed international calendar and the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2026.
New BCCI Appointments – Role Allocation
| Name | New Role Assigned | Previous Role | Zone Represented |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raghuram Bhat | Chairman, National Cricket Academy (NCA) | South Zone Selector, Karnataka CA | South Zone |
| Jaydev Shah | Head, Domestic Cricket Operations | President, Saurashtra Cricket Association | West Zone |
| Jayesh George | BCCI Joint Secretary | Kerala CA Secretary, Former BCCI VP | South Zone |
Raghuram Bhat, a former India spinner and respected coach, will now head the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. His appointment comes at a time when the NCA is undergoing a major revamp to integrate sports science, injury management, and high-performance analytics. Bhat’s coaching acumen and grassroots experience are expected to enhance talent development pathways.
Jaydev Shah, son of former BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah and a former Ranji Trophy-winning captain, will oversee domestic cricket operations. His mandate includes streamlining the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy formats, improving scheduling, and ensuring equitable exposure for Tier-2 teams.
Jayesh George, known for his administrative efficiency and legal expertise, returns to the BCCI fold as Joint Secretary. His role will involve coordination between state units, legal compliance, and tournament logistics. George previously served as BCCI Vice President and played a key role in Kerala’s cricket infrastructure expansion.
Strategic Focus of New Appointees – 2025–2028 Term
| Administrator | Strategic Focus Area | Key Initiatives Planned |
|---|---|---|
| Raghuram Bhat | NCA modernization, injury rehab | AI-based fitness tracking, zonal camps |
| Jaydev Shah | Domestic cricket reform | Calendar optimization, talent scouting |
| Jayesh George | Governance and coordination | Legal streamlining, inter-state synergy |
The appointments have been welcomed by state associations and former players, who see the trio as capable hands to navigate BCCI’s evolving challenges. “These are cricket men with administrative minds. Their elevation is a win for Indian cricket,” said Dr. Radhika Menon, sports governance expert.
Social media platforms lit up with congratulatory messages, with hashtags like #BCCILeadership, #RaghuramBhatNCA, and #JaydevShahDomestic trending across cricket communities.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on BCCI Appointments
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.3M mentions | 85% supportive | #BCCILeadership #JaydevShahDomestic |
| 1.1M interactions | 82% optimistic | #RaghuramBhatNCA #JayeshGeorgeBCCI | |
| 980K views | 88% celebratory | #CricketGovernance #BCCI2025 | |
| YouTube | 920K views | 84% analytical | #BCCIExplained #NewRoles2025 |
The BCCI is also expected to announce its 100-day roadmap under the new leadership, focusing on domestic player contracts, women’s cricket expansion, and digital transformation of match data. The Apex Council has approved budget allocations for zonal academies, grassroots tournaments, and infrastructure upgrades.
BCCI Operational Priorities – Q4 FY25
| Focus Area | Budget Allocation (₹ crore) | Lead Administrator | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zonal Academies | ₹45 crore | Raghuram Bhat | Q1 FY26 |
| Domestic Calendar Reform | ₹30 crore | Jaydev Shah | Q4 FY25 |
| Legal & Compliance | ₹20 crore | Jayesh George | Ongoing |
| Women’s Cricket Expansion | ₹25 crore | Apex Council | FY26–FY27 |
The appointments also signal BCCI’s intent to decentralize decision-making and empower zonal voices. With South and West Zones now holding key portfolios, regional cricket boards are expected to play a more active role in shaping national policy.
As the cricketing world gears up for a busy season, the elevation of Raghuram Bhat, Jaydev Shah, and Jayesh George marks a pivotal moment in Indian cricket administration—one that blends legacy, expertise, and forward-thinking leadership.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available BCCI announcements, verified media reports, and expert commentary. It does not constitute official endorsement or selection advice. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.
