Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Inderjit Singh Bindra ( IS Bindra) passed away on Sunday at the age of 84 in New Delhi, drawing tributes from across the cricketing world. A veteran administrator with an extraordinary influence on the sport, Bindra was widely regarded as one of the key figures behind the transformation of Indian cricket into a global force.
Bindra served as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996, a crucial period when Indian cricket began asserting its administrative and commercial strength on the world stage. Known for his clarity of vision and firm decision-making, he played a central role in redefining how cricket was governed in the country.
Alongside former BCCI presidents NKP Salve and Jagmohan Dalmiya, Bindra was instrumental in securing the hosting rights for the 1987 Cricket World Cup. The tournament marked a historic shift, becoming the first World Cup held outside England and firmly establishing India as a powerful voice in international cricket administration.
His contribution to domestic cricket was equally significant. Bindra served as the president of the Punjab Cricket Association for an unmatched 36 years, from 1978 until his retirement in 2014. During his tenure, the PCA Stadium in Mohali emerged as one of India’s finest cricket venues and was later named in his honour, reflecting his lasting impact on cricket infrastructure in the region.
One of Bindra’s most influential legacies came through his landmark Supreme Court petition in 1994 that challenged Doordarshan’s monopoly over cricket broadcasting. The favourable judgment that followed opened the doors to international broadcasters, revolutionising sports television in India and turning the country into the world’s largest cricket broadcast market. This move reshaped the financial future of Indian cricket and changed how the game was consumed by fans nationwide.
Tributes poured in following his passing. BCCI President Mithun Manhas described Bindra as a visionary whose leadership helped redefine India’s role in world cricket, noting that his contributions went far beyond administration. BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia called him one of the most influential architects of Indian cricket, praising his foresight, commitment, and passion for building enduring institutions. ICC Chair Jay Shah also expressed his condolences, stating that Bindra’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
IS Bindra’s influence extended far beyond the years he spent in office. Through bold administrative reforms, landmark legal action, and a deep commitment to infrastructure and governance, he left behind a legacy that continues to shape Indian cricket. His passing marks the end of a defining chapter in the sport’s history, but his contributions will remain an integral part of its foundation.