New Delhi: With former BCCI president Inderjit Singh Bindra passage, an era of cricket administration ended in India.
The former IAS officer played a leading role in transforming cricket marketing died in the Capital on Sunday aged 84 and is survived by his son and daughter.
As BCCI president from 1993 to 1996 and Punjab Cricket Association chief from 1978 to 2014, he left an indelible mark on administration of the sport in the country.
“He felt uneasy, and his condition deteriorated, and he passed away Sunday evening,” one of Bindra’s former aides told PTI, adding that his cremation will be held on Monday.
He opened new doors for cricket’s financials by organising the ODI 1987 World Cup in India, the first time the mega event was held outside England after the 1975, 1979 and 1983 editions.
Together with the late Jagmohan Dalmiya and NKP Salve, the move opened up the Indian TV market to cricket commerce.
“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,” International Cricket Council chairman 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 🙏
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 25, 2026
Long stint
His association with the game began as an official in 1975 and till his retirement with cricket administration in 2014 had a long stint as president of Punjab Cricket Association.
Under his tutelage the PCA stadium was built in Mohali, which was renamed in his honour in 2015.
Apart from bringing the ODI World Cup to India, Bindra also transformed BCCI’s fortune by breaking Doordarshan’s monopoly in cricket broadcasting, through a successful challenge in the Supreme Court in 1994.
It laid the foundation for India to become cricket’s biggest market though his stock dwindled after support to Lalit Modi after IPL’s spot-fixing saga and appointment of Haroon Lorgat as Cricket South Africa’s CEO.
He was also ICC’s principal advisor when Sharad Pawar was the president.