Anurag Singh Thakur is a renowned Indian cricket player and politician, best known for his significant contributions to both fields. Born on October 24, 1974, Thakur hails from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh, India. Throughout his career, he has garnered immense recognition and made a lasting impact on the cricketing landscape in India.
Thakur’s journey in cricket administration began in his home state of Himachal Pradesh. He worked diligently with the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, playing a pivotal role in transforming the local stadium in Dharamsala into a world-class venue that meets international standards. His efforts were highly commendable and set the stage for the development of cricket in the region.
In 2011, Thakur took on a larger role in Indian cricket administration when he was elected as the joint-secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) under N. Srinivasan’s leadership. This marked a significant milestone in his career, as he became part of the core team responsible for shaping the future of cricket in the nation. Thakur’s strong conviction in upholding the integrity of the sport was evident during the IPL corruption scandal in 2013 when he was one of the few BCCI officials who spoke out against the wrongdoings, emphasizing the importance of preserving the sanctity of institutions above individuals.
His dedication and unwavering commitment to cricket and its administration led him to be elected as the secretary of the BCCI in March 2015, a position he held even after subsequent changes in leadership within the organization. Thakur’s extensive experience and astute leadership profoundly impacted the board’s decision-making processes, enabling him to contribute significantly to the growth and development of Indian cricket on both domestic and international fronts.
Anurag Thakur’s remarkable journey in cricket culminated in his election as the president of the BCCI on May 22, 2016. This notable achievement made him the second youngest person ever to hold this prestigious position, with only Fatehsingh Rao Gaekwad having assumed the presidency at a younger age in the 1960s. Thakur’s election reflected the trust and confidence reposed in him by the cricketing fraternity and was a testament to his exceptional leadership abilities.
During his tenure as the BCCI president, Thakur faced numerous challenges, particularly in relation to the implementation of the Lodha Committee’s recommendations. The Lodha Committee was established by the Supreme Court of India to establish best practices and bring about reforms within the BCCI after the IPL corruption scandal. Thakur and the BCCI fiercely resisted the committee’s recommendations, leading to a protracted legal battle that ultimately led to Thakur’s removal from office, along with then-secretary Ajay Shirke, by a Supreme Court order on January 2, 2017.
Despite the challenges faced during his tenure as BCCI president, Anurag Thakur’s contributions to Indian cricket remain indelible. His dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the sport have left an enduring impact on the cricketing landscape in India. As a sportsperson and politician, Thakur continues to inspire young aspiring cricketers and serves as a symbol of integrity and leadership in the realm of Indian cricket.
