Seasoned cricket administrator Rajeev Shukla will take over as the interim president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The transition follows because BCCI president and ex-India cricketer Roger Binny is nearing the age of 70 — the age cap for office-bearers according to the board’s constitution.
Age Cap Triggers Change, Rajeev Shukla Named Interim Chief
Binny, who celebrates his birthday on July 19 at the age of 70, will be out of office to occupy any position in the BCCI, as per the board’s constitution, which has a clause stating no one can hold office after reaching the age of 70. The president’s seat being vacant, the rules explicitly mention, “The vice-president shall also exercise such functions and duties as he may be empowered by the General Body of the Apex Council.”
This clause opens the door for Rajeev Shukla, the present vice-president, to assume charge and drive operations as an interim president. His interim period is likely to continue until September, when the board will hold elections to elect its next crop of office-bearers.
Rich Cricket Administration Experience of Rajiv Shukla
Shukla, a veteran Rajya Sabha MP from the Congress Party, has a long-standing connection to Indian cricket. The 65-year-old, who began his career as a journalist before turning politician, has held several major positions in the BCCI for over two decades. He served as the IPL commissioner between 2011 and 2017, won the BCCI vice-president post unopposed in 2020, and secured re-election in 2022.
Characterized by most as the cricket board’s “man for all seasons,” Shukla also has a lot of administrative experience to bring to the role in this period of transition.
Recent Similar Precedent
In 2023, the BCCI faced a similar situation when Jay Shah stepped down as secretary after his appointment as ICC chairman. Joint secretary Devajit Saikia then took charge as acting secretary until the board conducted new elections.
With Shukla assuming charge in a caretaker role, the BCCI is likely to have continuity at the helm before its general elections later this year.
