Rajeev Shukla Set to Step in as Interim BCCI President as Roger Binny Nears Age Limit

Leadership change at BCCI expected as Binny reaches mandatory retirement age; Shukla to serve until September elections

HH News Desk 3 weeks agoLast Updated: June 7, 2025

9 4 minutes read

New Delhi: With Roger Binny set to vacate his post next month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing for a change in leadership. As per the board’s regulations, Binny will have to step down once he turns 70, a milestone he reaches on July 19. The position, for the time being, is expected to be handled by Rajeev Shukla, the board’s sitting vice-president.

Sources familiar with the matter say the move is procedural and unlikely to stir any resistance from within the board or state units. “It’s fairly straightforward,” said a senior BCCI official. “The constitution is clear — no one above 70 can continue as an office-bearer. The vice-president will take over until the elections in September.”

Binny’s Term Ends, Age Rule Kicks In

Binny, a key figure in India’s 1983 World Cup triumph, was appointed BCCI president in October 2022. His two-year stint comes to an end not through resignation or removal, but due to the age cap introduced under reforms mandated by the Supreme Court following the Lodha Committee’s recommendations. The provision was designed to enforce accountability and curb indefinite terms.

In that context, Binny’s exit is routine — though still notable, given the limited number of cricketers-turned-administrators who’ve reached the BCCI presidency. Before his appointment to the national board, he served as president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association, where he was known for his preference for quiet administration and minimal disruption.

While his tenure as BCCI chief wasn’t marked by controversy or drastic reform, he presided over a relatively stable period for Indian cricket, including the organization of a full domestic season post-COVID and India’s hosting of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

“He didn’t make too much noise, but his inputs in key areas like ground infrastructure and player welfare were respected,” said a board member.

Rajeev Shukla Expected to Hold Post Until AGM

With no president in place, the board turns to its rulebook — and that points to Shukla. The Congress MP and veteran cricket administrator has held multiple roles within the BCCI, including IPL chairman, and is familiar with the demands of high-level sports governance. His age (65) keeps him well within the eligibility window, and his seniority makes him the automatic choice.

“It’s not a selection. It’s succession,” another BCCI official said. “He is the most senior, so he will assume charge in an interim capacity. Everything else will be decided in September.”

The BCCI’s Annual General Meeting is typically held during the third quarter of the calendar year, with the formal election process taking place then. Until that point, Shukla will preside over board activities, represent the BCCI where necessary, and handle routine decisions alongside the secretary and treasurer.

There’s no indication yet whether he plans to contest for the full-term presidency. Historically, Shukla has been more comfortable operating behind the scenes — handling negotiations, facilitating coordination between zones, and brokering consensus among state associations.

Calm Transition, Little Drama

This particular leadership handover is expected to unfold with minimal friction. Unlike previous moments of flux in the BCCI — notably the 2017–2019 period under the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators — the current transition is seen as administrative housekeeping.

“Everyone knew this was coming. There was no surprise. Binny had a good run, and now it’s time to move forward,” said a state association representative.

Even state units that have in the past opposed central board decisions appear to be on board with the shift. Partly because it’s temporary, partly because there’s no alternative mechanism unless the board amends its constitution — something no one is considering at this point.

Focus Shifts to the AGM

While the immediate spotlight is on the July transition, attention will soon shift to the elections later in the year. The identity of the next full-term president remains unclear. Shukla could emerge as a consensus candidate, but much depends on how internal alignments shape up over the next two months.

By August, informal consultations are expected to pick up pace among major state units like Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Karnataka. As has often been the case in the past, these talks happen quietly — away from the media — and the final slate is often settled well before the AGM itself.

“The politics never stops, but no one’s looking to make this transition messy. Everyone’s got too much at stake heading into the next ICC cycle,” noted a senior board functionary.

Routine Business to Continue

Between now and the AGM, Shukla’s job will be to maintain stability. That includes signing off on domestic tournament schedules, liaising with broadcasters, and managing international relations with the ICC and ACC. No sweeping reforms are on the table.

With key events like the 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, much of the preparatory groundwork will be laid during this interim phase. Shukla, in his caretaker role, is expected to focus on continuity rather than change.

For all the interest in who wears the crown next, most insiders agree the real work lies in the margins — board coordination, sponsor relations, and domestic player engagement. “It’s not about the headline role. It’s about who keeps the machine running. And for now, that’s Shukla,” said one administrator close to the leadership circle.

Unless something unexpected derails the path, the BCCI’s next president will be decided at the AGM in September. Until then, the board will be led by someone who has seen Indian cricket’s inner workings from every possible angle — and knows how to keep things moving without making noise.

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