The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finds itself at a crossroads of legal ambiguity and political timing as its president, Roger Binny, crosses the age of 70, triggering a constitutional clause that disqualifies him from continuing in office.
According to the BCCI constitution, which was approved by the Supreme Court, any office-bearer turning 70 must step down. Binny, a 1983 World Cup winner and a respected cricketing administrator, celebrated his 70th birthday on July 19, casting doubt on his eligibility to continue as BCCI president.
đ Constitutional Clause Sparks Succession Debate
Page 30 of the BCCI constitution clearly states that office-bearers over the age of 70 shall be disqualified from continuing in their roles. Technically, this would mean Vice-President Rajeev Shukla should take charge as interim president until the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for September.
However, those close to Binny argue that he may legally continue until the AGM as long as he refrains from signing official documents or executing formal duties. Itâs a grey areaâone that the BCCI hasnât officially addressed yet, further fueling speculation.
đ New Sports Bill Could Override BCCI Constitution
Adding another layer to the drama is the anticipated Sports Governance Bill, expected to be introduced during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. If passed, the billâled by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviyaâwould abolish the age restriction, allowing office-bearers of national sports bodies to serve until 75.
Importantly, the bill is expected to override the constitutions of all national sports federations, including the BCCI. If that happens, Binnyâs disqualification could be rendered moot.
But as of now, the bill is not yet lawâand until it is, the existing BCCI rules, as sanctioned by the apex court, remain in effect.
đ BCCI Silent as Top Officials Travel Abroad
The BCCI, known for carefully orchestrated internal decisions, has maintained radio silence so far. With many top board members attending the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore, no formal statement has been issued regarding the succession or Binnyâs status.
A BCCI insider said that clarity may emerge soon, especially as attention now turns toward the legal team and constitutional experts who are reportedly reviewing the situation.
âď¸ Binny Celebrates Milestone Away from Headlines
Binny himself has remained unavailable for comment. Having recently returned from London, where he attended the Lordâs Test, the BCCI president is now reportedly on a family vacation in Thailand, celebrating his birthday on an island retreat with his daughters and grandchildren.
His low profile during this period has added to the speculation, even as calls for transparency and legal consistency grow louder within Indian cricketâs ecosystem.
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đŁď¸ Editorâs View
The timing of Roger Binnyâs 70th birthday could not be more consequential. The overlap of existing constitutional law and pending legislative reform makes this a litmus test not just for the BCCI, but for the broader future of sports governance in India.
The cricket board now finds itself in an awkward position: Does it uphold its constitution and trigger leadership transition, or does it wait for a law that could absolve it of this legal challenge?
Either way, this moment could set a major precedent for how Indian sports bodies navigate governance reforms amid political shifts.
Our source say Rajeev Shukla is going to replace him..
