The Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA) has ushered in a new era of leadership, with significant changes to its representation on the sport’s most powerful boards. In a move that reshapes the landscape of Indian cricket administration, V Chamundeswaranath has officially taken over from veteran Dilip Vengsarkar as the players’ representative on the BCCI Apex Council.
A New Chapter for ICA Representation
This transition is a direct result of the ICA General Elections 2025, held in October, which saw a wave of fresh faces and historic firsts. V Chamundeswaranath, a former Andhra Pradesh captain and a respected figure in domestic cricket circles, now steps into the crucial role of being the voice for male players at the highest level of BCCI decision-making .
Chamundeswaranath, often fondly known as ‘Chamundi’, brings a wealth of experience from his playing days and his subsequent involvement in cricket administration through the Hyderabad Cricket Association. His appointment is expected to bring a renewed focus on the welfare and development of current and former male cricketers in India.
Historic First: Shantha Rangaswamy at the Helm
The most groundbreaking outcome of the elections was the appointment of Shantha Rangaswamy as the first-ever female president of the ICA. A true pioneer of Indian women’s cricket, Rangaswamy, who was India’s first women’s Test captain, has broken a significant glass ceiling in the traditionally male-dominated world of cricket administration [[12], [15]].
This historic move signals a powerful commitment from the ICA to be more inclusive and representative of the entire Indian cricketing community, from grassroots to the international stage.
Complete Leadership Roster & Key Appointments
The ICA elections didn’t just change the guard at the top; they restructured the entire leadership team. Here’s a breakdown of the key appointments that will shape the future of player representation in India:
| Position | Appointee | Predecessor/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ICA President | Shantha Rangaswamy | First female president in ICA history |
| BCCI Apex Council (Male Rep) | V Chamundeswaranath | Replaces Dilip Vengsarkar |
| BCCI Apex Council (Female Rep) | Sudha Shah | Continues her role |
| IPL Governing Council Rep | Shubhangi Kulkarni | Takes over Vengsarkar’s position |
| ICA Secretary | Venkat Sundaram | New appointment |
| ICA Treasurer | Deepak Jain | New appointment |
Notably, former India women’s team captain Shubhangi Kulkarni has been appointed as the ICA’s representative to the IPL Governing Council, taking over the position previously held by Dilip Vengsarkar . This is another significant step towards greater female representation in the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
The new ICA leadership, with its historic gender balance and fresh perspectives, is poised to have a profound impact. Their primary mandate will be to safeguard the interests of all cricketers—past and present—and to ensure their voices are heard in the corridors of power at the BCCI and IPL. From player contracts and welfare schemes to the development of domestic cricket and the growth of the women’s game, this council will be a critical advocate.
The appointment of two legendary women’s cricketers, Rangaswamy and Kulkarni, to such influential roles is a clear message about the BCCI’s and ICA’s commitment to the future of women’s cricket in India, building on the success of the Women’s Premier League (WPL).