Former BCCI president IS Bindra passes away at 84:Had served as Indian cricket board chief from 1993-96; Jay Shah, Harbhajan pay tribute

Former President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Inderjit Singh Bindra, passed away on Sunday in New Delhi. He was 84 years old. Bindra was not just an administrator, but a strategist of Indian cricket during an era when England and Australia dominated the world of cricket. He not only established Mohali as one of the world’s best cricket venues but also played a significant role in bringing the World Cup to India. Harbhajan Singh, ICC Chairman Jay Shah condole IS Bindra’s death ICC chairman Jay Shah paid a tribute to IS Bindra after his demise. Taking to X, Shah wrote, “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.” Ex-cricketer Harbhajan Singh also shared condolences after Bindra’s death. Calling him a ‘pillar of Punjab cricket’, Harbhajan wrote, “This is a deeply personal loss. There will never be anyone who can truly replace you, sir. You may be gone, but the impact you have left on all of us will last forever.” Remained at the helm of Punjab cricket for 36 years
Bindra’s journey in cricket administration was quite long. He served as the President of BCCI from 1993 to 1996. However, his grip on the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) was unparalleled. He remained the Chief of PCA from 1978 to 2014, continuously for 36 years. The magnificent Mohali stadium is his legacy, which was later named ‘I.S. Bindra Stadium’ in his honor. The historic 2011 World Cup semi-final, in which India defeated Pakistan, was played on this very ground. Brought the World Cup outside England for the first time in 1987
Until the 1980s, the World Cup was held only in England. Bindra, along with NKP Salve and Jagmohan Dalmiya, broke this tradition. It was due to the efforts of these three that the World Cup was held outside England for the first time in 1987, in India and Pakistan. He united Asian countries like India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka so that the power center of cricket could shift towards Asia. Cricket diplomacy: when General Zia was invited to India
Bindra was also a skilled diplomat and bureaucrat. According to former Indian team manager Amrit Mathur, in 1986, when tensions between India and Pakistan were high and Australia-England were not ready to play here due to security reasons, it was Bindra who found a way out. He suggested that Pakistan’s then military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq visit India, so that the atmosphere could calm down and the path for the World Cup could be cleared. ‘Sweet and Sour’ relationship with Dalmiya and influence in ICC
Bindra and Jagmohan Dalmiya had differences on many issues, but for the benefit of Indian cricket, they always came together. Both played a significant role in co-hosting the 1996 World Cup in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Bindra later also served as Sharad Pawar’s Principal Advisor in the ICC. On Dalmiya’s demise, Bindra wrote that cricket would not be where it is today without Dalmiya. Bindra served as the President of BCCI from 1993 to 1996. Additionally, he led the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) from 1978 to 2014. In 2015, the PCA Stadium in Mohali was renamed as IS Bindra Stadium. Bindra is remembered for playing a crucial role in organizing the 1987 Cricket World Cup. At that time, it was called the Reliance Cup. This was the first time the Cricket World Cup was held outside England, in India. Previously, the 1975, 1979, and 1983 World Cups were held in England. His contribution is also considered significant in the field of cricket broadcasting. In 1994, he challenged Doordarshan’s monopoly by approaching the Supreme Court. Following the court’s decision, international broadcasting companies like ESPN and TWI entered the Indian market, which rapidly changed the commercial landscape of cricket. After retiring from cricket administration in 2014, Bindra also took on responsibilities at the International Cricket Council (ICC). He served as the Principal Advisor to the ICC during Sharad Pawar’s presidency. However, his career also saw controversies. He faced criticism for supporting Lalit Modi in the IPL spot-fixing case and regarding the appointment of Cricket South Africa’s CEO.