IS Bindra, Visionary Former BCCI President Who Brought World Cup to India, Passes Away at 84

Indian cricket has lost one of its most influential administrators with the passing of Inderjit Singh Bindra in New Delhi on Sunday at the age of 84. A towering figure in cricket administration, Bindra served as BCCI president from 1993 to 1996 and left an indelible mark on the sport's governance both in India and internationally.

A Legacy of Leadership at Punjab Cricket Association

Bindra's remarkable 36-year tenure as President of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) from 1978 to 2014 stands as a testament to his dedication and administrative acumen. Under his stewardship, the PCA Stadium in Mohali—later named in his honour—became one of India's premier cricket venues.

The stadium hosted numerous prestigious matches, including the iconic 2011 World Cup semi-final between India and Pakistan, a historic encounter witnessed by the Prime Ministers of both nations. This match remains one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history.

Breaking the Western Monopoly: The 1987 World Cup Revolution

Perhaps Bindra's most significant contribution to world cricket was his instrumental role in bringing the 1987 World Cup to the subcontinent. Working alongside fellow cricket administrators NKP Salve and Jagmohan Dalmiya, Bindra helped orchestrate a historic shift that saw the tournament held outside England for the first time.

Diplomatic Masterstroke During Crisis

When tensions between India and Pakistan escalated in 1986, threatening the tournament's viability, Bindra demonstrated his diplomatic prowess. According to former India team manager Amrit Mathur, it was Bindra who suggested to Pakistan's military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq that he visit India to break the deadlock—a bold move that helped ensure the tournament proceeded as planned.

This initiative showcased Bindra's ability to navigate complex political landscapes for the benefit of cricket, earning him respect across borders.

Continuing the Vision: 1996 World Cup

Despite having strong differences with Jagmohan Dalmiya on several matters, Bindra worked alongside him to ensure the 1996 World Cup was successfully co-hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This collaboration demonstrated Bindra's commitment to the greater good of cricket above personal disagreements.

Influence at the International Level

Bindra's influence extended beyond Indian cricket. A diplomat and bureaucrat by profession, he leveraged his extensive network to shape decision-making within the BCCI and later at the ICC, where he served as principal advisor to Sharad Pawar during the latter's tenure as ICC chairman.

Paying Tribute to a Rival Turned Respected Colleague

In his tribute to Dalmiya following the latter's death in 2015, Bindra wrote with characteristic grace:

"Cricket fans the world over need to remember the modern game and the way it is currently administered would have been very different had it not been for Jaggu."

This acknowledgment of his contemporary's contributions, despite their documented differences, speaks volumes about Bindra's character and his ability to recognise excellence in others.

A Lasting Impact on Indian Cricket

IS Bindra retired from cricket administration in 2014, leaving behind a transformed landscape. His efforts in bringing World Cups to the subcontinent helped establish India as a powerhouse in cricket administration, paving the way for the nation's current dominant position in world cricket governance.

The modern era of Indian cricket, with its global influence and commercial success, owes much to the foundations laid by administrators like Bindra who dared to challenge the established order and fought for the subcontinent's rightful place in cricket's highest echelons.

Looking Ahead

As Indian cricket continues to grow in stature and influence, the contributions of pioneers like IS Bindra will not be forgotten. His legacy serves as a reminder that visionary leadership and diplomatic skill can reshape the sporting landscape. The Bindra Stadium in Mohali stands as a permanent tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the advancement of cricket in India and beyond.