The presidency of the BCCI has been surrounded with an air of doubt since July 19, Roger Binny‘s 70th birthday. According to the BCCI constitution approved by the Supreme Court, 70 is the age limit for any office-bearer in the cricket board, leaving grave doubts about Binny’s continuance in the office.
BCCI Constitution Sets Age Limit for Office-Bearers
Under the official BCCI constitution (Page 30), as soon as an office-bearer reaches the age of 70, he shall be automatically disqualified from holding office. Under such circumstances, the BCCI vice-president (at present Rajeev Shukla) would automatically ascend to the presidency of the BCCI by default.
But people close to Roger Binny, a former India all-rounder and 1983 World Cup winner, believe that he can still be president till the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September. They say that since no significant decisions or documents need his signature in the meantime, he can go on technically till then without any conflict of rules.
Incoming Sports Governance Bill Could Impact BCCI Presidency Rules
Compounding this is the waiting Sports Governance Bill, which will be introduced in the current Monsoon Session of Parliament. This bill does not contain the 70-year age limit that is now stipulated in the BCCI constitution. Rather, it sees office-bearers of all the national sports federations staying on in their jobs until the age of 75.
If enacted, the new legislation led by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya may override the constitutions of all national sporting associations, including the BCCI. This may very well enable Roger Binny to remain BCCI president even after exceeding the age limit.
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Silence from BCCI Amid Leadership Questions
So far, the BCCI hasn’t come out with an official statement about Roger Binny’s role or leadership change. Most of the senior board officials were in Singapore for the recently held ICC Annual Conference and were unavailable for a comment immediately.
That said, insiders indicate that the board is likely to come out with a clarification in the next few days, especially once discussions pick up again after officials are back in India.
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Roger Binny Celebrates 70th Birthday in Thailand
Meanwhile, Roger Binny cannot be reached for comment. Post-watching the Lord’s Test match in London, the incumbent BCCI president had headed back to his native Bengaluru before boarding a flight to Thailand for a holiday to mark his landmark birthday.
According to reports, he is holidaying on an island with immediate family members, including his daughters and grandkids who flew from Australia for the celebration.
Key Takeaways
Roger Binny celebrated his 70th birthday on July 19, moving beyond the BCCI constitution provision of maximum age for office-bearers.
According to regulations, Rajeev Shukla could be the next in line to occupy the BCCI presidency.
The Sports Governance Bill, if enacted, will enable Binny to continue in office until he is 75 years old.
The BCCI has not yet made an official statement on Binny’s status.
Final Thoughts
The future of the BCCI presidency hangs in the balance as Roger Binny ages above the age limit specified in the present constitution. With new laws on the horizon and the next AGM still months away, the next few weeks will be vital to decide whether Binny remains at the helm or gives way to a successor.
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