BCCI Appoints Sharad Kumar As The Head Of Anti-Corruption Unit
BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit (Source: @BCCI/x.com)
In the latest development, retired IPS officer Sharad Kumar, a former head of India's National Investigation Agency (NIA), has been appointed as the new chief of the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).
The 68-year-old will serve a three-year term, bringing a wealth of experience in law enforcement to his new role in safeguarding the integrity of Indian cricket.
According to board sources, his appointment was formalised on October 1, following a decision at BCCI's Annual General Meeting held on September 29. A native of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Kumar has a distinguished career behind him, having served as an IPS officer from the Haryana cadre in the 1979 batch.
Retired IPS Appointed As New Head Of BCCI's Anti-Corruption Unit
Sharad Kumar has a vast leadership experience, especially during his tenure as the Director General of the NIA from 2013 to 2017. He takes over from KK Mishra, also a former IPS officer of the Haryana cadre, who was appointed as the ACU chief last year but did not complete his term due to unspecified reasons.
As the ACU head, Kumar will play a crucial role in ensuring the sport remains free from corruption, reinforcing the BCCI's commitment to maintaining fairness and transparency. His extensive background in handling high-stakes investigations is expected to strengthen the anti-corruption framework in Indian cricket.
During his tenure as the chief of the NIA, Kumar oversaw several critical investigations, including the probe into the Pathankot airbase attack by Jaish-e-Mohammed militants.
Following his retirement from the NIA, Kumar was appointed as the Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), where he also served as interim Central Vigilance Commissioner between June 2018 and April 2020.
Kumar’s proven track record in law enforcement and anti-corruption initiatives is expected to significantly bolster the BCCI’s ability to address and prevent corruption in the sport, ensuring that cricket in India remains a fair and competitive field.