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Roger Binny’s BCCI Future in Limbo After Turning 70 Amid Constitutional and Legal Crossroads
Questions Arise Over Binny’s Continuation as BCCI President
The leadership of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come under fresh scrutiny after current president Roger Binny crossed the upper age limit mandated by the board’s constitution. Binny turned 70 on July 19, reaching the threshold at which any BCCI office-bearer is considered ineligible to continue in their role, as per the Supreme Court-approved BCCI constitution.
Binny’s milestone birthday has triggered speculation over whether he must vacate the prestigious role or if he can remain at the helm until the next Annual General Meeting (AGM), likely scheduled for September.
Constitutional Clause Raises Eligibility Concerns
Rule Book vs. Real-time Governance
The BCCI constitution (Page 30) clearly outlines that once an office-bearer reaches 70 years of age, they are automatically disqualified from holding their position. As per the protocol, the vice-president — Rajeev Shukla in this case — is expected to assume the responsibilities of the president.
However, those within Binny’s close circle argue that he can retain the role informally until the AGM, provided he refrains from signing official documents. This has led to considerable ambiguity over how the board plans to manage this transition period.
👉 Related Read: BCCI Election Process and Past Office-Bearer Transitions.
Incoming Sports Governance Bill Could Change the Rules
Proposed Bill May Extend Age Limit for Sports Officials
Adding to the complexity is the upcoming Sports Governance Bill, set to be introduced during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. If passed, the bill will supersede the constitutions of all national sports federations, including the BCCI.
Unlike the BCCI’s current constitution, the new bill does not impose a strict age limit. It allows officials of national federations to continue their tenure up to 75 years, a shift that could directly benefit Roger Binny and others in similar positions.
Sources suggest that this legislation, once enacted, will create a centralized legal framework for sports governance in India. If implemented before the BCCI’s AGM, it could allow Binny to continue officially, bypassing the current age-related disqualification.
Silence from the BCCI as Key Officials Remain Overseas
Lack of Official Communication Fuels Speculation
As the confusion grows, the BCCI has not issued any formal statement regarding Binny’s status. Top board officials recently attended the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore and were unavailable for immediate comment. A source familiar with the developments indicated that “clarity is expected soon,” although no definitive timeline was given.
Roger Binny himself has remained unavailable for comment. After returning from London, where he was present at the Lord’s Test, Binny reportedly left for a vacation to celebrate his 70th birthday with family. He is believed to be on a secluded Thai island with his daughters and grandchildren, who flew in from Australia for the occasion.
Will the Governance Bill Delay the Inevitable?
With the cricketing fraternity watching closely, the immediate future of Roger Binny as BCCI president now hinges on legal interpretations, the timing of the Sports Governance Bill, and the AGM schedule. If the bill is passed and implemented before the AGM, Binny may legally be allowed to serve the remainder of his term — or even longer — under the new regulatory framework.
For now, Indian cricket administration finds itself at the intersection of constitutional governance and upcoming legislation, as uncertainty looms over who will officially lead the BCCI in the months ahead.
🌐 Full Text of the BCCI Constitution (Supreme Court Approved)
