Roger Binny, the current president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), turned 70 on July 19. His birthday has created a big question mark over his future as BCCI chief. According to the BCCI constitution, which was approved by the Supreme Court, any office-bearer who turns 70 cannot continue in the post.
Meanwhile, a PTI report has suggested that BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla could take over as the interim president. However, the BCCI’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is in September and it is being said that Binny might continue as a caretaker president until then before a final decision on his successor is taken.
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National Sports Bill could give Binny a lifeline
According to PTI, the Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is expected to table the National Sports Bill in Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session.
This Bill reportedly proposes to increase the maximum age limit for office-bearers of all National Sports Federations from 70 to 75 years. If the Bill is passed, people aged between 70 and 75 will be allowed to contest elections and hold posts, as long as international rules or concerned body’s bye-laws don’t stop them.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) currently has no age restrictions, so it won’t be a problem for the BCCI if the Bill is passed and made into a law. It will allow Roger Binny to continue as BCCI president for another term without any legal hurdles.
What happens next?
Meanwhile, the report also suggested that Binny is planning to talk to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia and the board’s legal team to explore his options. As of now, the BCCI has not issued any official statement regarding the matter.
Binny was recently seen at the Lord’s during the third Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England. Reports claim that the 1983 World Cup-winning bowler is currently holidaying in Thailand with his family.