Roger Binny Set to Continue as BCCI President Until September with Prospects of New Term

Recently turned 70-year-old Roger Binny will continue to hold the position of president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India at least until the Annual General Meeting in September. The action comes after the National Sports Bill that was recently voted into parliament now sets a maximum age cap for national sports federation office bearers at 75 years. The International Cricket Council doesn't have any age requirement in its rulebook so Binny can still hold on to his position after 70 years unless the BCCI state unit members and decision makers object. His future as president after September will depend on the outcome of discussions in the board and reaction of powerful stakeholders in Indian cricket.

The wealthiest sports association in India BCCI will now come under the canopy of the National Sports Bill but it will not be brought under the Right to Information Act since it does not get financial grants from the state. The legal team of the BCCI is going through the clauses of the bill to get a sense of its complete implications and what form it could take for the operation of the board. The leadership has reiterated that they will take sufficient time to review the provisions of the bill and discuss them thoroughly before taking any firm decision.

As per the sources privy to the situation several other issues about the bill need to be discussed properly. All the stakeholders including the senior players as well as the members of the coaching staff are meant to be incorporated in such deliberations. This particularly because cricket will also be included in the 2028 Olympics which presents another field of responsibility for the BCCI in terms of planning and organization.

Binny took over as BCCI president in October 2022 following the ousting of former India captain Sourav Ganguly. The elevation was a big moment because with him he brought the experience of belonging to India's victorious 1983 World Cup team as well as decades of cricket administration background. During his time so far Binny has been responsible for organizing a number of landmark events that have defined Indian cricket like international tournaments domestic restructuring of cricket as well as engagement with worldwide cricket organizations.

The possibility of his lease till the new deadline of 75 years has been welcomed by a few members who believe his presence steadies the board. Anything will be done only during or after the Annual General Meeting when the opinion of the state units and senior officials will be taken into consideration. These conversations would not just be on the issue of the presidency but also on how the BCCI adapts to the changes introduced by the National Sports Bill.

The National Sports Bill is a significant piece of legislation that institutes simplification of the administration of sports bodies in the country. In cricket it introduces an official age barrier which could have consequences for leadership positions and the administrative hierarchy in the coming years. While some federations may need to undertake radical change the BCCI is relatively unscathed in terms of instant leadership with the raised age limit. Still, the board does understand that complying with the bill would involve some readjustment and therefore is proceeding with caution.

Board insiders believe that the six-month extension of Binny's eligibility is an opportunity for a smooth transition if and when a new president is to be elected in the future. It steers clear of making rash changes to the leadership and provides continuity in the board's ongoing projects. It also means that the BCCI is at liberty to remain concentrated on significant events such as the upcoming international series the domestic cricket calendar and the Olympic preparations unhampered by distraction from the impromptu administrative change.

Roger Binny's playing and administration experience adds gravitas to his role. Having been part of one of the greatest Indian sporting moments when India won the 1983 World Cup he brings credence and respect to his role. His cricketing views have also guided decision-making on matters ranging from player welfare to scheduling tournaments. The decision on whether he continues after September will therefore have administrative and symbolic significance for Indian cricket.

Although the BCCI is exempted from the Right to Information Act the National Sports Bill still places it in a regulated environment. This step is taken to ensure greater transparency and accountability in sports administration in India without undermining the working independence of institutions like the BCCI, which are operationally autonomous and financially independent. Legal experts who are tasked with supporting the board will proceed to vet the bill so that all provisions are transparent and compliance measures are adopted in a way that does not interfere with the smooth running of Indian cricket.

By September focus will not only be on Roger Binny's possible extension but also on overall issues of governance. The BCCI will have to tread the tight rope of keeping its members happy the demands of the bill and the ambitions of Indian cricket in the world context. Whether Binny remains at the helm for another term or otherwise whatever choices are made in the coming months will virtually determine the future direction of Indian cricket for years to come.

If the state units and influential board members are on the same page, Binny can certainly continue till the age of 75. This would give him some extra time to steer major cricketing events like India's participation in the 2028 Olympics the introduction of new domestic competitions and continued affiliation with the International Cricket Council. Alternatively if a change of leadership is made it will usher in fresh ideas in cricket administration and build on the foundation established during Binny's incumbency.

For now Roger Binny remains in control of the BCCI with his short-term destiny wrapped up until September's Annual General Meeting. The final word on his longer-term tenure will rest with the members and administration of cricket in India but his on-field and off-field contribution to the game ensures that his impact within the game will continue regardless of the decision to be made later this year.