Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 29: In a major development in Indian cricket administration, former all-rounder Roger Binny has stepped down as President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after turning 70 last month. Senior board official and Vice-President Rajeev Shukla has been appointed interim President, according to a report by Dainik Jagran.

Binny, who succeeded Sourav Ganguly in October 2022, became ineligible to continue as per BCCI’s constitution, which bars office-bearers from holding posts beyond the age of 70.

Shukla, 65, has been serving as BCCI vice-president since 2020 and will now handle the board’s day-to-day affairs until the Annual General Meeting (AGM), likely to be held in September. A decision on the next full-time president is expected then, based on consensus among state units.

Interestingly, the recently passed National Sports Bill raises the age limit for office-bearers of national sports federations to 75, unless restricted by global bodies. However, in BCCI’s case, the age cap of 70 remains in effect. “The national sports bill has just been passed, so, we have some time to study it and engage in proper discussion before taking any decision,” a board source said, indicating that the legal team is reviewing the matter.

A key figure in India’s 1983 World Cup triumph, Binny was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets. Beyond his playing career, he coached India’s U-19 team to a World Cup win in 2000, served as a selector, and headed the Karnataka State Cricket Association.

With cricket set to return to the Olympics in 2028, the BCCI faces crucial governance discussions ahead. Shukla, a seasoned administrator and former IPL Governing Council member, will now steer the board through this transition phase.