The future of BCCI President Roger Binny remains uncertain as he recently turned 70, the current upper age limit for office bearers in India’s apex cricket body.
However, hope remains for a continued tenure, contingent on the impending National Sports Bill which proposes changes to the eligibility criteria.
According to a PTI report, Binny is expected to consult with BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia and the board’s legal department over the coming days. As per the draft Sports Bill, a person elected to office at the age of 69 years and 364 days or younger may serve their full term even if they cross 70 after election. Binny, who turned 70 on Saturday, could be eligible for at least one more three-year term under the new legislation—if it is enacted in time.
No official word has been released by the BCCI, though internal discussions are reportedly underway. Senior officials are currently returning from the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore, and conversations have touched upon installing Vice-President Rajeev Shukla as interim president for two months or waiting for the Sports Bill to take effect.
Sources within the BCCI suggest there is growing consensus that the presidency should be held by a former India cricketer, continuing the precedent set by Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny. This sentiment could influence the final decision.
Binny, who recently attended the Lord’s Test in London, is currently vacationing with family in Thailand. While he has not made a public comment yet, he is expected to deliberate on the matter with top BCCI officials once back in India.
The issue gains complexity with the Sports Bill likely to override existing constitutional provisions of national sports federations. The bill’s timing in Parliament will be crucial in determining whether Binny continues or a leadership transition occurs.
