Jyotiraditya Scindia ready to replace Lalit Modi as BCCI’s boy wonder

Lalit Modi, for long, was touted as the GenNext administrator in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). But now that he has been pushed to the sidelines, there is a new kid on the block.

Jyotiraditya Scindia, 39, has emerged as the face of the second generation of leaders in the world’s richest cricket board.

At the 81st annual general meeting (AGM) of the BCCI today, the scion of Gwalior’s royal family is set to take his first major step into cricket administration. He would be formally appointed chairman of the finance committee, deemed as a respectable position for someone who is not an office-bearer or a vice-president in the board. He could also be inducted into the IPL governing council.    

Scindia is already a member of the disciplinary committee hearing suspended IPL commissioner Modi’s case.

Scindia, in fact, could have replaced Modi as BCCI vice-president, but he does not qualify for the position. To qualify for the post, one needs to attend at least two AGMs. Scindia has attended only one so far.

Suave, erudite and intelligent, the young politician commands respect even from BCCI veterans.

With his vast political background and smart acumen, he has already made an impact. The junior minister in the UPA government has taken active part in many discussions at BCCI forums.
Board watchers say Scinda is here to stay and like his father, the late Madhavrao Scinida, may go on to become BCCI president (selected on a rotational basis).

By the time it’s the turn of someone from the Central Zone for the post, the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association president will have held quite a few positions.

Meanwhile, Modi’s term in the board formally ends today. He will be replaced by Rajiv Shukla as vice-president and cannot be connected to the IPL in any way. The IPL governing council is set for recast and Modi’s fate in the BCCI will be decided once Scindia & Co complete their hearing in his case.