CSK Appoints Former BCCI President N Srinivasan as Chairman for IPL 2026 Season

Former BCCI and ICC chief N. Srinivasan has been appointed chairman of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL), just months ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, marking a significant development within the CSK franchise. This change comes after a series of adjustments in the team’s management and ownership structure, signaling a renewed strategic direction for one of the most successful teams in the Indian Premier League.

The CSK franchise has witnessed notable transformations over the past few years. In December 2024, India Cements, the original owner of CSK, sold its cement business to UltraTech. This transfer temporarily removed Srinivasan and his family from the team’s board. However, both Srinivasan and his daughter, Rupa Gurunath, returned as directors in February 2025, ensuring continuity in leadership. At 80 years old, N. Srinivasan has now officially assumed the role of chairman, replacing his cousin R. Srinivasan, as outlined in CSKCL’s 2025 annual report. This leadership change comes at a critical time, just months before the IPL 2026 auction, giving Srinivasan the opportunity to influence player acquisitions and team strategy.

Srinivasan has been deeply connected with CSK since its inception. He played a pivotal role in creating the franchise in 2008 and contributed to building it into a powerhouse of the IPL. While he did not directly manage players, his position as head of India Cements gave him significant influence over team culture, operations, and long-term strategy. His leadership has been widely credited for fostering stability and competitiveness within the franchise.

Beyond CSK, Srinivasan has had a prominent role in cricket administration globally. He became BCCI president in 2011, holding considerable power within Indian cricket. However, his tenure was marred by the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal, which led to CSK’s two-year suspension and forced him to step down temporarily. Despite these challenges, Srinivasan’s influence in cricket remained strong. In 2014, he was appointed as the first ICC chairman, further cementing his reputation in international cricket administration. However, his term concluded in 2015 due to conflict-of-interest concerns, underscoring the complex nature of cricket governance.

With his return as CSK chairman, Srinivasan brings back trusted associates to support the franchise’s operations. K. S. Viswanathan will continue as managing director until 2028, and Rupa Gurunath has been named a full-time director. Srinivasan’s comeback has sparked speculation about the future of CSK’s star player, MS Dhoni. With the legendary captain expected to play his final IPL season in 2026, fans are keenly observing whether the new management will organize a fitting farewell for Dhoni or begin planning for a transition phase within the team.

The 18th season of the IPL, which ran from 22nd March to June 2025, saw Chennai Super Kings fall short of the Knockouts. Despite this, the franchise remains optimistic about future performance and is aiming for a stronger comeback in the seasons to come.

CSKCL is also focused on expanding its global presence beyond the IPL. The company participates in T20 leagues in other countries through its international teams, such as the ‘Joburg Super Kings’ in South Africa’s CSA T20 League and the ‘Texas Super Kings’ in Major League Cricket in the United States. Moreover, CSKCL is growing the number of its cricket academies abroad and is actively setting up, developing, and managing sports academies and performance centers. Plans for further expansion are underway to strengthen the franchise’s global footprint.

Additionally, CSKCL intends to amend its Memorandum of Association to generate revenue from its playgrounds, courts, stadiums, and other facilities and land holdings. This initiative aims to provide incremental income that will support and complement the company’s existing business operations, ensuring financial stability while continuing to invest in cricketing infrastructure and talent development worldwide.