Rajeev Shukla is a distinguished Indian leader whose career seamlessly spans politics, journalism, and sports administration. Born on 13 September 1959 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he began as a sharp-witted journalist with Jansatta and Ravivar, quickly rising to prominence as a senior editor known for incisive political commentary. In 2000, he entered politics, first with the Akhil Bhartiya Loktantrik Congress and later the Indian National Congress, serving multiple terms in the Rajya Sabha. Representing Uttar Pradesh and, since 2022, Chhattisgarh, he has earned a reputation as an articulate parliamentarian with a focus on progressive initiatives.
His parallel journey in cricket administration began in the early 1990s with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association. As media manager for the Indian cricket team during the celebrated 2002 NatWest series, he demonstrated exceptional communication and crisis management skills. He went on to chair the IPL Governing Council twice, from 2011 to 2013 and again in 2015, playing a pivotal role in the league’s growth, modernization, and global reach.
In December 2020, Shukla was unanimously elected Vice President of the BCCI, reflecting his enduring influence in Indian cricket governance. In 2025, he made history as the first person from Uttar Pradesh to serve as interim President of the BCCI, underscoring his leadership stature.
Beyond politics and sports, he is also an accomplished author; his book Scars of 1947—on the Partition—earned international recognition when he presented it to King Charles III at St. James’s Palace. Shukla’s career stands as a testament to diplomacy, vision, and transformative leadership.
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