BCCI Presidency in Limbo as Age Limit Looms Over Roger Binny

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing a period of uncertainty regarding its presidency. Roger Binny, the current president, has reached the age of 70, which is the upper age limit for any BCCI office-bearer according to the Supreme Court-approved BCCI constitution. This raises questions about his eligibility to remain in his position.

Roger Binny is the incumbent president of the BCCI [File] © AFP

According to the BCCI constitution, any office-bearer exceeding the age of 70 is automatically disqualified. Conventionally, the vice-president, currently Rajeev Shukla, would be next in line. Sources close to Binny, a former Indian all-rounder and World Cup champion, suggest he could potentially continue until the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September without needing to sign official documents.

Adding to the complexity is the anticipated Sports Governance Bill, expected to be debated and potentially passed during the Parliament's Monsoon Session. This bill differs from the existing BCCI constitution by not imposing a strict age limit, allowing officials of national sports federations to serve until 75 years old. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is expected to present the bill, which aims to supersede the constitutions of all national sports federations.

The BCCI has not released an official statement on the matter. Top officials were recently in Singapore for the ICC Annual Conference and could not be reached for comment. However, a source familiar with the situation indicated that clarification is expected in the coming days.

Binny himself was unavailable for comment. Following his return to Bengaluru from the Lord's Test in London, he departed for a birthday celebration in Thailand. He is reportedly vacationing with family members, including daughters and grandchildren from Australia, on an island near Thailand.