BCCI Presidency Under Scrutiny as Binny's Age Sparks Governance Debate

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faces a period of uncertainty regarding its presidency. Roger Binny, the current president, recently turned 70, which raises questions about his eligibility to continue in the position, according to the BCCI constitution approved by the Supreme Court.

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

Constitutional Implications

According to the BCCI constitution, any office-bearer exceeding the age of 70 is subject to disqualification. This would typically lead to the vice-president, Rajeev Shukla in this instance, succeeding the president. Sources close to Binny, a former Indian all-rounder and World Cup winner, argue that he can remain in office until the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September without needing to sign any official documents.

The Impending Sports Bill

The situation is further complicated by the anticipated Sports Governance Bill, expected to be introduced and potentially passed during the Parliament's Monsoon Session. This proposed legislation diverges from the current BCCI constitution by potentially removing the strict age limit, allowing office-bearers of national sports federations to continue until the age of 75. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is expected to present the bill, which is designed to "override the constitutions of all national sports federations."

BCCI's Silence and Binny's Vacation

The BCCI has yet to release an official statement on this matter. Key officials were recently in Singapore for the ICC Annual Conference and were unavailable for immediate comment. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that clarity is expected to emerge in the coming days.

Binny himself has not commented on the matter. Following his return to Bengaluru from the Lord's Test in London, he departed for a birthday celebration in Thailand with family, including his daughters and grandchildren from Australia.