Former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra, popularly known as IS Bindra, passed away on Sunday, January 25, in New Delhi. The news of his demise was confirmed by ICC chairman Jay Shah through a social media post.
IS Bindra served as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India from 1993 to 1996. Before taking charge at the national level, he was associated with the Punjab Cricket Association and served as its president from 1978 to 2014. In recognition of his long-standing contribution to cricket in Punjab and India, the PCA Stadium in Mohali was renamed the IS Bindra Stadium in 2015.
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Key role in cricket administration and broadcasting reforms
Expressing grief over his passing, Jay Shah wrote 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."
I S Bindra played a significant role in shaping Indian cricket administration. Along with Jagmohan Dalmiya, he was instrumental in India hosting the 1987 Cricket World Cup. One of his most impactful contributions came during his tenure when he initiated reforms in cricket broadcasting.
In 1994, I S Bindra petitioned the Supreme Court to break Doordarshan’s monopoly over cricket broadcasting in India. At the time, the BCCI paid Doordarshan for telecasting matches. Following Supreme Court intervention, private broadcasters such as ESPN were allowed to enter the Indian market. This marked a turning point for cricket broadcasting in the country.
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The revenue model of Indian cricket, including the substantial earnings from IPL broadcasting rights, evolved from this shift. The transformation of cricket broadcasting in India is widely seen as one of IS Bindra’s lasting contributions to the sport.
