Confusion over Roger Binny’s future as BCCI president
Roger Binny’s tenure as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has entered a grey area after he turned 70 on July 19 — a milestone that, under the Supreme Court-approved BCCI constitution, renders him ineligible to continue as an office-bearer.
According to a report by PTI, Binny’s future is under discussion as he weighs his options with BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and the board’s legal department. The constitution mandates disqualification upon turning 70, yet with the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) not scheduled until September, it’s unclear whether Binny will vacate immediately or continue in a caretaker capacity.
Sources close to the former India all-rounder suggest the latter is a real possibility, with Binny potentially remaining in office without signing official documents.
National Sports Bill could give Binny a lifeline
The situation is further complicated by the proposed National Sports Bill, expected to be tabled during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The legislation, if passed, would raise the age limit for office-bearers of national sports federations from 70 to 75.
Crucially, the bill is designed to override the constitutions of all National Sports Federations (NSFs), including the BCCI, even though the cricket board does not rely on government funding. This means it could potentially allow Binny to legally remain in office despite breaching the current age cap.
“If someone aged 69 years and 364 days on the date of nomination, if elected for any office bearer’s post, can continue their full term beyond the age of 70 once the bill comes into effect.”
— According to the proposed National Sports Bill.
The bill also states that individuals between 70 and 75 can contest or continue in office unless restricted by international charters or the federation’s own bye-laws. With the ICC having no such age cap, this may clear the path for Binny to continue, pending legal interpretation.
Rajeev Shukla as possible interim president
In the event Binny is ruled out before the AGM, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla is the most likely interim successor. The BCCI constitution designates the vice-president as the automatic replacement in such scenarios.
But even internally, there appears to be no consensus. Some within the BCCI are reportedly weighing the short-term appointment of Shukla against waiting for the Sports Bill to take effect. Others argue that the BCCI presidency should ideally remain with a former India cricketer, in keeping with the appointments of both Binny and his predecessor, Sourav Ganguly — a sentiment that could influence the final decision.
No official word yet from BCCI or Binny
The BCCI has not issued any formal statement regarding Binny’s status. Top board officials were recently in Singapore attending the ICC Annual Conference and are only now returning to India. With Binny currently vacationing with family in Southeast Asia after returning from the Lord’s Test in London, he has made no public comment.
Sources indicate that once back, Binny will consult BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and the board’s legal department to evaluate his options in light of the proposed legislation.
The road ahead
The final word on Binny’s presidency could hinge on the timing of the Sports Bill’s passage. If the bill is enacted before the BCCI AGM, and its provisions take immediate effect, Binny could be cleared to not only complete the current term but potentially seek a new one.
For now, the leadership of one of the most powerful cricket boards in the world remains in flux — a rare moment of legal and administrative uncertainty in an organization that usually runs with tight control.
