With current Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny nearing the age limit for office-bearers, vice-president Rajeev Shukla is set to assume charge as interim president for a three-month term, beginning next month.
Binny, a former India cricketer and a member of the historic 1983 World Cup-winning team, will turn 70 on July 19. According to the BCCI constitution, no office-bearer is allowed to continue in the role after crossing the age of 70, making Binny ineligible to remain in the post beyond that date.
Rajeev Shukla, currently the senior-most official in the BCCI hierarchy, is expected to take over presidential responsibilities until a new chief is formally elected. This move aligns with the board’s regulations and ensures continuity in leadership during the transitional period.
Shukla has been serving as BCCI vice-president since late 2020 and brings a wealth of administrative experience to the table. A seasoned cricket administrator, he previously held the role of secretary of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association until 2017 and was chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) until 2018.
His interim appointment is seen as a steadying measure, especially with important decisions looming over India’s international cricket calendar and the upcoming domestic season.
While no official statement has yet been made by the BCCI regarding the interim succession, the decision is expected to be ratified without much opposition, given Shukla’s stature and experience within the cricketing establishment.
Roger Binny’s tenure as BCCI president, though brief, has been marked by significant events, including India’s participation in the ICC World Cup and several bilateral series. As he prepares to step down in accordance with constitutional norms, the focus now shifts to Shukla and the temporary stewardship he will provide.
The process for electing a new BCCI president is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with further clarity on candidates and timelines likely to emerge post-July.
For now, Rajeev Shukla’s return to the top role, even in an interim capacity, signals a preference for experienced leadership as Indian cricket navigates another transition at the administrative helm.
