GCA secretary Rohan Dessai unanimously elected as new BCCI joint secretary

PANAJI

Rohan Gauns Dessai, secretary of Goa Cricket Association (GCA), was unanimously elected as the new joint secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The BCCI had convened a Special General Meeting (SGM) to elect the new joint secretary at its headquarters in Mumbai on Saturday. A notice for this was previously sent out by the BCCI to state associations on February 6.

Rohan, the sole candidate to file his nomination for the joint secretary’s post, was elected to the role formally in the presence of other office bearers like President Roger Binny and Vice-President Rajiv Shukla, as well as other state association representatives.

The BCCI's joint secretary post had become vacant after Devajit Saikia, hailing from Assam, was promoted to be the governing body’s new secretary in Mumbai earlier this year, following Jay Shah's appointment as the ICC Chairman.

“Goa Cricket Association (GCA) Secretary Rohan Gauns Dessai has been appointed as the Joint Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a prestigious role that enhances Goa’s presence in Indian cricket administration. His appointment marks a significant milestone, strengthening the state’s influence at the national level and reflecting its growing stature in the sport. Heartiest congratulations to him on this well-deserved achievement, and best wishes for a successful tenure ahead!” GCA wrote on its official website and Instagram account.

Dessai has been GCA’s secretary since October 2022 and has also served as the manager of the Indian men's team last year in November for the four-match T20I series in South Africa, which India won 3-1.

Upon his arrival at the Dabolim Airport, Rohan said, “I am really overwhelmed by your love and support and coming here in large numbers. Thank you so much for that. This is a big honour for the entire state of Goa, not just me. Every Goan should be proud that, especially the people of Curchorem from where I come. After all, BCCI is one of the world’s largest cricket organization.”

“I would like to thank our ICC Chairman Jay bhai Shah and the Apex Council of BCCI for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank our honourable Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant who is a role model for the entire youth of Goa. Also thanks to the managing committee of GCA, all the clubs affiliated to Goa Cricket Association and also Chetan Desai Sir, Daya Pagi, Rajesh Patnekar who have always supported me.”

Rohan believes that his good work done for GCA as a secretary in the last two and half years has been noticed by the Indian Cricket Board and that has helped him to be part of the apex council member of BCCI.

Among his top priorities would be to build the long pending international cricket stadium in Goa which has prevented international cricket matches being held in the state for the last 14 years.

Goa had last hosted an ODI match on 24 October 2010 against Australia at the Fatorda stadium. But, that match was a wash-out due to rain.