The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Sharad Kumar, a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer with vast anti-terrorism experience, as the new head of its Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) as per PTI. Kumar’s appointment brings a wealth of law enforcement expertise to the BCCI’s efforts to safeguard cricket’s integrity.
Extensive experience in law enforcement
Sharad Kumar, 68, hails from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, and is a 1979 batch IPS officer from the Haryana cadre. He led India’s top anti-terrorism organisation, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), from 2013 to 2017, where he managed several high-profile terror cases, including the Pathankot airbase attack. His tenure at the NIA strengthened its capabilities in counterterrorism and disrupting terror financing networks.
In addition to his role at the NIA, Kumar served as the Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission from 2018 to 2020, even holding the interim position of Central Vigilance Commissioner. His career in law enforcement has been recognised with prestigious awards, including the President’s Police Medal for Meritorious Services in 1996 and the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Services in 2004.
Strengthening BCCI Anti-Corruption efforts
Sharad Kumar’s appointment was officially finalised during the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting on September 29, and he assumed the role on October 1. His appointment is for a three-year term, replacing KK Mishra, another former IPS officer from the Haryana cadre, who did not complete his tenure.
In his new role as the ACU chief, Kumar will be responsible for tackling corruption within Indian cricket, particularly issues like match-fixing and betting scandals. With his extensive background in law enforcement and vigilance, Kumar is expected to strengthen the BCCI’s ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure transparency.
Legacy of integrity
Sharad Kumar’s leadership at the NIA and his role in handling some of India’s most complex anti-terror operations make him a strong candidate to oversee the BCCI’s ACU. His appointment underscores the board’s commitment to keeping cricket free from corruption and ensuring fair play on the field.
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