Inderjit Singh Bindra’s name is written in golden letters in the history of Indian cricket. Born in Punjab in the early 1940s, he lived a life that combined public service with sports administration. He was not just a cricket official; he was a man who changed the way cricket was seen, played, and managed in India. His work helped Indian cricket move from being dependent on foreign boards to becoming a global powerhouse.
He started as a civil servant in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and later became one of the most respected cricket administrators in the world. His vision was clear: cricket in India needed better infrastructure, fairer broadcasting rights, and stronger financial systems. He worked tirelessly to make these changes happen. Today, when we see cricket stadiums full of fans and matches broadcast across the world, much of the credit goes to Bindra’s foresight.
Inderjit Singh Bindra BIO, Wife, Children, Family, Death Cause
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Inderjit Singh Bindra |
| Born | 1941/1942, Punjab, British India |
| Died | 25 January 2026 (aged 84), New Delhi, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Sikhism |
| Profession(s) | Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Officer, Cricket Administrator |
| Civil Service Career | Joined IAS in 1966; served as Deputy Commissioner in Ludhiana (1972–74) and Patiala (1975); Special Secretary to President Giani Zail Singh in the 1980s |
| Cricket Administration | President of Punjab Cricket Association (1978–2014); Chairman of PCA (2015) |
| Major Achievements | – Organized 1987 Reliance World Cup – Secured hosting rights for 1996 World Cup – Oversaw Punjab’s Ranji Trophy win (1992–93) – Developed IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali |
| BCCI Role | 23rd President of BCCI (1993–1996) |
| ICC Role | Adviser to International Cricket Council; promoted cricket in USA & China |
| Family | Wife: Kamal Bindra Children: Amar Bindra (son), Anju Bindra (daughter) |
| Relations | Daughter Anju married cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi |
| Wikipedia | @Inderjit_Singh_Bindra |
Early Life and Family Background
Inderjit Singh Bindra was born in Punjab, British India, in 1941/1942. He grew up in a Sikh family, where discipline and values were part of everyday life. His upbringing gave him the strength to face challenges later in his career. He was known to be a bright student and someone who believed in hard work.
His family background was simple, but it shaped his character. He learned early that leadership is not about power but about responsibility. This belief stayed with him throughout his life, whether he was serving as an IAS officer or leading the Punjab Cricket Association. His roots in Punjab also kept him connected to the local cricketing community, which he later transformed with his vision.
Academic Journey and Entry into Civil Services
Bindra’s academic journey was marked by determination. He prepared for the civil services examination, which was one of the toughest exams in India. In 1966, he joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), one of the most prestigious services in the country. Before that, he had also served in the Indian Police Service (IPS).
His entry into civil services showed his commitment to public life. As an IAS officer, he worked in different districts of Punjab, including Ludhiana and Patiala. His reputation was that of a strict but fair officer. He believed in discipline, transparency, and efficiency. These qualities later became the foundation of his cricket administration style.
Career in Indian Administration
Bindra’s career in administration was impressive. He served as Deputy Commissioner in Ludhiana from 1972 to 1974 and later in Patiala in 1975. His work was appreciated for being people-centric. He was known to listen to citizens and solve problems with practical solutions.
In the 1980s, Bindra became the Special Secretary to the President of India, Giani Zail Singh. This was a prestigious role, and it showed the trust the government had in him. His time in administration gave him a deep understanding of governance, which he later applied to cricket. He knew how systems worked and how to bring reforms. This knowledge helped him when he took charge of cricket bodies in India.
Transition into Cricket Administration
Bindra’s journey into cricket administration began in 1975. He was elected as the President of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) in 1978. At that time, cricket in Punjab was not very developed. Facilities were poor, and players did not have proper infrastructure. Bindra wanted to change this.
His vision was to make Punjab a strong cricketing state. He worked on building stadiums, improving training facilities, and organizing matches. He believed that players needed the right environment to succeed. Under his leadership, Punjab cricket grew rapidly. His work at PCA was the starting point of his long journey in cricket administration, which later took him to the highest office in Indian cricket.
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Landmark Contributions to Indian Cricket
Inderjit Bindra’s work in cricket administration was full of milestones. One of his earliest achievements was hosting Punjab’s first Test match in Jalandhar in 1983. At that time, Punjab was not seen as a major cricketing centre, but Bindra wanted to change that image. He believed that cricket should reach every corner of India, not just the big cities.
Another landmark was his role in organizing the 1987 Reliance World Cup. Along with N. K. P. Salve and Jagmohan Dalmiya, Bindra helped India host the tournament successfully. This was the first time India had hosted a cricket World Cup, and it showed the world that the country was ready to take cricket seriously. Later, he also played a key role in securing hosting rights for the 1996 Cricket World Cup, which further strengthened India’s position in global cricket.
Tenure as BCCI President (1993–1996)
Bindra’s election as the 23rd President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 1993 was a turning point. At that time, Indian cricket was struggling with finances and poor broadcasting deals. Matches were shown only on Doordarshan, the government channel, which had a monopoly. Bindra believed that cricket needed professional management and better exposure.
He fought a legal battle to end Doordarshan’s monopoly. As a result, private broadcasters like ESPN and TWI entered the Indian market. This move changed the face of Indian cricket forever. Suddenly, matches were broadcast with better quality, and the BCCI started earning huge revenues from television rights. Bindra’s vision turned cricket into a commercially successful sport in India.
Role in Global Cricket and ICC
He also worked with the International Cricket Council (ICC) as an adviser. His goal was to expand cricket beyond traditional countries. He also played a role in the early planning of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Though the IPL was launched later in 2008, Bindra’s ideas about professional leagues and commercial cricket were part of the foundation.
He was re-elected as the President of the Punjab Cricket Association in 2008. His leadership lasted for decades, making him one of the longest-serving cricket administrators in India. In 2014, Bindra retired from his role as PCA President after 36 years of service. But his connection with cricket did not end there. In 2015, he was elected as the Chairman of PCA. To honour his contributions, the Mohali stadium was renamed as the IS Bindra Stadium.
Personal Life: Family, Wife, and Children
Behind his public life, Inderjit Singh Bindra was a family man. He was married to Kamal Bindra, who stood by him through his long career in administration and cricket. Together, they raised two children – a son named Amar Bindra and a daughter named Anju Bindra.
His daughter Anju married the legendary Indian cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi, which connected Bindra even more closely to the cricketing world. This bond between administration and cricketing talent made his family part of India’s cricketing story. Bindra was known to be affectionate and supportive towards his family, even while managing the heavy responsibilities of his professional life.
Death and Legacy
Inderjit Bindra passed away on 25 January 2026 in New Delhi at the age of 84. His death was due to natural causes related to age. He was cremated at the Lodhi Road cremation ground, a place where many respected leaders have been laid to rest.
His passing was mourned deeply by the cricketing fraternity. Tributes poured in from former players, administrators, and fans who remembered his immense contribution to Indian cricket. The Punjab Cricket Association and the BCCI both issued statements honouring his memory. His name will always be remembered as someone who gave Indian cricket a strong foundation and global recognition.
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