Leadership change triggered by age rule in BCCI constitution
In a key administrative shift within Indian cricket, Rajeev Shukla has taken over as interim President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), following Roger Binny’s departure after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70. Binny, who assumed office in October 2022, vacated the role after turning 70 on July 19, in compliance with the BCCI’s constitution which disqualifies office-bearers once they cross that age.
The development, according to a report in Dainik Jagran, comes as part of a planned transition, with Shukla — currently 65 and serving as BCCI Vice President since 2020 — stepping in as acting President until the next Annual General Meeting (AGM), expected in September.
The BCCI’s legal team is reviewing the implications of the newly passed National Sports Bill, which raises the permissible age for office-bearers of sports federations to 75 — but only if not limited by the international governing body. However, the BCCI constitution, based on Lodha Committee recommendations and Supreme Court rulings, continues to enforce the 70-year cap for now.
Earlier PTI report suggested Binny might stay on temporarily
According to an earlier PTI report, there had been a possibility that Roger Binny could remain in his role until the next BCCI board meeting. This potential extension was tied to the recent passage of the National Sports Bill in Parliament, which raises the age limit for office-bearers to 75 — provided there are no age restrictions from the global governing body.
However, in BCCI’s case, the age cap of 70 remains in place under the current constitution, and Binny’s departure proceeded accordingly.
“The national sports bill has just been passed, so, we have some time to study it and engage in proper discussion before taking any decision,” a BCCI source said, according to Dainik Jagran.
Sponsor crunch adds urgency to BCCI’s agenda
Shukla assumes charge at a time when the BCCI is grappling with a crucial commercial challenge — finalizing a new lead sponsor for Team India following Dream11’s exit. With the Asia Cup set to begin on September 9, the clock is ticking.
The matter reportedly took center stage during a recent BCCI Apex Council meeting, where stakeholders discussed timelines and expectations around the sponsorship search.
“We don’t even have two weeks left. Floating a fresh tender, completing legal formalities and technicalities will take time. We are not seeking a short-term sponsor only for the Asia Cup. The focus is on finding a partner until the 2027 ODI World Cup,” sources were quoted as saying, according to Dainik Jagran.
The search for a long-term partner is especially critical given the high-profile events in India’s cricket calendar, including the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
What’s next: AGM, potential elections, and legal clarity
With Shukla now overseeing day-to-day affairs in an interim capacity, all eyes are on the upcoming AGM. It remains to be seen whether the board’s legal review of the new Sports Bill will lead to amendments in the BCCI constitution ahead of the elections.
Until then, Shukla — a seasoned cricket administrator and former IPL Governing Council member — is expected to guide the board through a period of both structural transition and pressing commercial negotiations. The upcoming decisions could shape the governance and leadership of Indian cricket heading into a packed and pivotal international cycle.
