With Sports Bill incoming, will BCCI let Binny continue past 70?
The Draft Sports Bill may extend the age limit for sports administrators, allowing Roger Binny to continue as BCCI president beyond 70 amid leadership discussions.
New Delhi: The current BCCI president and 1983 World Cup hero, Roger Binny, turned 70 on Saturday and as per the age limit for office bearers under the current BCCI constitution. Unlike the previous transitions, there is no immediate clarity on whether Binny will vacate his position right away or continue until the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September. If he steps aside, vice-president Rajeev Shukla is expected to step in as the interim president.
Another twist in the plot is that a Draft National Sports Bill is in the pipeline which will be tabled by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya during the upcoming monsoon session of the parliament. The bill proposes increasing the upper age limit for sports administrators from 70 to 75, which will be a significant change that could directly impact the BCCI's leadership structure.
Currently, as per the BCCI's constitution framed after the Lodha Committee's recommendations, it caps the age limit at 70. However, with Indian cricket teams to participate in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, there is no expectation that the BCCI, despite its financial independence, will align itself with the new legislation once it becomes law.
What Draft Sports Bill say about age?
The Draft Bill clearly mentions that individuals aged between 70 and 75 can continue in administrative positions if international charters and statutes permit it. In theory, if the bill becomes law, an individual turning 70 while in office could potentially serve a full term, provided there are no restrictions from the relevant international body For example, ICC doesn't currently have an age-cap rule, unlike some other federations.
Looking ahead
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing within the BCCI on whether to appoint Shukla as the interim president for a short period or wait for the Sports Bill to become law. There is also a sentiment within the BCCI that the president's post should ideally be held by a former India cricketer of repute, as was the case with Sourav Ganguly and Binny. This belief could play a role in the final decision regarding Binny's future.
Well, until the Sports Bill is passed, the situation remains fluid. If the new age limit comes into effect soon, then Binny could be allowed to continue, possibly for another three to five years, provided the ICC's stance remains unchanged. For now, Indian cricket will wait and watch whether the Sports Bill extends Binny's tenure or if the BCCI will see a leadership change before its September AGM.