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Ruchir Modi likely to replace father Lalit Modi as RCA president
Ruchir Modi’s election as Alwar DCA president has sparked speculation that he could soon take charge of the Rajasthan Cricket Association.
The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) could soon witness a change in leadership, with Ruchir Modi, son of former Indian Premier League commissioner and RCA president Lalit Modi, emerging as a likely candidate for the association’s top post. The development follows Ruchir’s recent election as president of the Alwar District Cricket Association (DCA), a move that has fueled speculation about his entry into state-level cricket administration.
Ruchir, 22, was elected to the Alwar DCA leadership position last month. The election drew attention because it could pave the way for his candidature in the upcoming RCA elections. If elected as RCA president, he would effectively succeed his father, who has remained at the centre of Rajasthan cricket administration despite the association’s ongoing suspension by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Path Opens Through District Cricket Administration
According to Alwar DCA secretary Pawan Goyel, the election process was conducted in accordance with provisions of the Rajasthan Sports Act. He stated that an observer appointed by the state sports council was present during the proceedings, ensuring compliance with established rules.
Ruchir’s rise comes at a time when the RCA is preparing for elections under a changing governance framework. The association has been under suspension by the BCCI since Lalit Modi’s election as RCA president. The national cricket board has repeatedly maintained that the suspension would only be lifted once Lalit Modi no longer holds the position.
RCA Awaits Return to BCCI Fold
The suspension has had a significant impact on cricket administration in Rajasthan. Over the past three years, the BCCI has withheld financial assistance to the RCA. During the same period, Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium has not hosted any international cricket matches allocated by the board.
Despite the administrative standoff, Rajasthan’s cricketers have continued participating in domestic tournaments organised by the BCCI. This arrangement has been possible under directions issued by the High Court, allowing the state team to compete as Team Rajasthan.
Earlier, RCA deputy president Mehmood Abdi had announced that the association would implement the recommendations of the Justice Lodha Committee. These reforms include age and tenure restrictions for office-bearers and call for elections within state associations by a specified timeline.
With rival groups within the RCA appearing weakened, the faction aligned with Lalit Modi is believed to hold an advantage ahead of the elections. Political observers within Rajasthan cricket circles suggest that Ruchir Modi could secure broad support if he enters the race for the presidency.
His election could also place the RCA in a position to argue for the removal of the BCCI suspension, as Lalit Modi would no longer occupy the association’s top post. At the same time, questions remain over how much influence the former administrator would continue to exercise within Rajasthan cricket.
Meanwhile, Amin Pathan, who had led an unsuccessful campaign against Lalit Modi through a no-confidence motion last year, has since moved away from the RCA power struggle. He currently serves as chairman of the Rajasthan Hajj Committee. The upcoming RCA elections are expected to play a key role in determining the future direction of cricket administration in the state and its relationship with the BCCI.
