Anurag Thakur: The Force Behind T20 Matches in the US

Anurag Thakur: The Force Behind T20 Matches in the US

Anurag Thakur: The Force Behind T20 Matches in the US

Anurag Thakur, a man who adorns many hats and lives up to each of his responsibilities with utmost sincerity and honesty is the mastermind behind bringing T20 Matches to the United States.

Anurag Thakur, president Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI)Born on October 24, 1974, Anurag Singh Thakur is a member of Lok Sabha from Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh in India. He is the son of Prem Kumar Dhumal, the former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. He was first elected to Lok Sabha in May 2008 in a by poll as a candidate of Bharatiya Janata Party. He won once again from Hamirpur representing BJP in 2014 Lok Sabha Elections.

He was elected unopposed as the president Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI) in May 2016. On July 29, 2016 he became the first serving BJP Member of Parliament to become a regular commissioned Officer in the Territorial Army.

At the young age of 41, Mr. Thakur has achieved several firsts, and bringing official T20 matches to the US is another first under his belt.

On behalf of all cricket fans in the United States, Desh Videsh Media Group would like to thank Anurag Thakur for giving us the opportunity to witness historical event here in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Desh-Videsh is pleased provide a glimpse into his achievements across a variety of fields.

As a Member of Parliament

Anurag Thakur, As a Member of Parliament

Thakur feels he is responsible for his country, state and the people and works hard to ensure that he lives up to the responsibilities assigned. Being the voice of people in parliament, Thakur makes sure he is present in the Parliament during the session on all days. The testimony of the same is the given numbers:

  • Attendance in parliament: 91 % vis-à-vis average of 82%
  • Debates: 43 vis-à-vis average of 37.3
  • Questions: 235 vis-à-vis average 144
  • Private member bills: 3 vis-à-vis average of 1
On Cricket

Anurag Thakur, On Cricket

Cricket has always been very close to his heart. He started playing cricket at the nascent age of 12 and then went on to representing the State in under-16 and under-19. His journey from cricket field to administration was fueled from the vision to bring international cricket to Himachal Pradesh and provide a platform for aspiring cricketers. It is then when he took over as the President of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) in the year 2000.

When he took over as the HPCA President at the age of 25 years; he inherited only seven chairs, one iron cupboard and a typewriter. But within five years built an international stadium in Dharamshala, not only a cricket stadium but also one of the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world and also built around five-six other stadiums in the state. The drive that fuelled him to build these stadiums was to promote budding talent and provide them with opportunity to hone their skills.

On Being Commissioned into the Territorial Army

 

Anurag Thakur, On Being Commissioned into the Territorial ArmyIt was a childhood dream to wear the uniform. Having grown up seeing his grandfather Captain Mahant Ram who joined 2nd Punjab Regiment in 1916 and right after 100 years in 2016,being commissioned into Territorial Army is a humbling experience.

He has been the voice of people in the parliament. Having joined the Territorial Army, he is happy that he will now also be able to serve his country shoulder to shoulder with the brave soldiers and protect his motherland when she calls.

As President of BCCI

 

Anurag Thakur, As President of BCCIMr Anurag Thakur possesses over 16 years of experience in cricket administration. With intent to promote the game of cricket, he has put forth a progressive development plan.

The board is working effectively in order to implement and execute all the initiatives announced by himon the first day after being unanimously elected as the President of the BCCI.

Some of the initiatives announced by him are as follows:

  • Appointment of Anil Kumble as Head Coach of the Indian Cricket Team was approved.
  • Technical Committee recommendation to hold Ranji Trophy matches at neutral venues was approved.
  • Working Committee approved the following suggestions of the Junior Committee. 1. Under 19 Cricketer can represent India only once in the ICC Under 19 World Cup. 2. Any player entering the system at Under 19 stage can play only two seasons of Under 19 cricket.
  • To popularize Test Cricket, BCCI will have a separate marketing budget in the coming season. The BCCI and the State Units will work together towards promotion and marketing of International matches.
  • BCCI will enter into Venue agreements with the associations hosting international matches in the coming season, defining their roles & responsibilities and minimum standards required.
  • Working Committee decided to start a new T20 league in place of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. First, all state teams will play an Inter zonal league in their respective zones. All five zones selecting a zonal side to play an Inter Zonal League will follow it.
  • Working Committee approved the proposal of Media Committee to issue an Annual Season Media Accreditation card.
  • BCCI will start annual awards for state associations in the following categories: Best Website, Best Facebook page, Best Twitter Handle, Best Instagram, Best Media Facility, Best Media Operations. This will encourage state associations to be more transparent and professional.
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