Ex-BCCI president N Srinivasan appointed as chairman of CSK ahead of IPL 2026

Former BCCI and ICC chief N. Srinivasan has been appointed as the chairman of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL). This decision was made just months before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season auction. The development follows a period of major restructuring for the CSK franchise.

In December 2024, India Cements, the founder and owner of CSK, sold its cement business to UltraTech, which temporarily distanced Srinivasan and his family from the franchise board. However, both Srinivasan and his daughter, Rupa Gurunath, rejoined as directors in February 2025. Now, the 80-year-old administrator has formally taken over as chairman, succeeding his cousin, R. Srinivasan, as per CSKCL’s 2025 annual report.

Srinivasan became the first-ever ICC chairman in 2014 

Srinivasan was the main architect behind CSK’s creation in 2008. He was instrumental in building the franchise into one of the most successful teams in IPL history. Although he never directly managed the squad, his role as India Cements’ chief gave him immense power in guiding CSK’s vision and culture.

As a BCCI president from 2011, he enjoyed immense power but was forced to step aside during the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, which also led to CSK’s two-year suspension. Later, he became the first-ever ICC chairman in 2014, but his tenure was cut short in 2015 following conflict-of-interest rulings.

The latest restructuring sees Srinivasan back at the role, with his trusted associate K. S. Viswanathan continuing as CSKCL managing director until 2028. Meanwhile, Rupa Gurunath has been appointed as a whole-time director. However, his comeback also sparks speculation about the future of CSK’s most iconic figure, MS Dhoni. With the legendary captain likely approaching his final IPL season in 2026, many have questioned whether the new management under Srinivasan will provide him the farewell he deserves or if the franchise is already planning a transition.

“The Season XVIII of the Indian Premier League commenced on 22nd March 2025, and the matches were played from March to June 2025. While your IPL Franchise Chennai Super Kings did not qualify for the Knockouts, we remain optimistic of a strong comeback and an improved performance in the upcoming seasons.

The company is constantly expanding its global footprint by participating in T20 leagues hosted by other nations with its global franchises like ‘Joburg Super Kings’ in Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 League and ‘Texas Super Kings’ in Major League Cricket in the United States of America, and by increasing the number of its Cricket Academies abroad. The company says it is also setting up, developing, and managing various sports academies and performance centres, and these are set to increase in the near future. Further, CSK also wants to amend its Memorandum of Association to monetise various play fields, courts, stadium, and other utility centres and lands that it owns. The incremental income from the proposal would complement the existing business of the company,” the CSKCL said in its annual report.

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