BCCI President Roger Binny's Term Extended Until September Due to Age Limit Increase in National Sports Bill to 75 Years
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares for its Annual General Meeting in September 2025, the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, looms large. This legislation, designed to bring transparency and accountability to India's sports governance, has significant implications for the BCCI and its current President, Roger Binny.
Implications for Roger Binny's Presidency
Roger Binny, a key member of India's 1983 World Cup-winning squad and the BCCI President since October 2022, has overseen a transformative phase in Indian cricket. However, his eligibility for re-election is in question due to the age limit regulations set forth by the bill. Binny, who began his presidency in October 2022, replacing former captain Sourav Ganguly, will continue until the Annual General Meeting in September 2025. The continuation of Binny's presidency beyond that date depends on political consensus within the BCCI.
Implications for the BCCI
The BCCI's future is deeply intertwined with the 2028 Olympics, where cricket will make its debut. The bill supports India's aspirations for the Olympics, with cricket set to feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This integration brings the BCCI under the regulatory framework of the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Bill, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Although the BCCI remains exempt from the Right to Information (RTI) Act due to its financial independence, it will be subject to the National Sports Board's oversight, ensuring adherence to international standards and practices. Furthermore, the BCCI will be classified as a National Sports Federation under the bill, aligning it with other sports organizations in India and subjecting it to the Sports Ministry's rules and guidelines.
The role of the BCCI President becomes more critical due to cricket's Olympic return, encompassing global sporting stage positioning. The BCCI's legal team is currently dissecting the National Sports Bill's fine print to understand its implications.
The Road Ahead
The September AGM could signal the direction Indian cricket administration will take in the lead-up to the 2028 Olympics. All stakeholders, including senior players and coaching staff, will be consulted regarding the Olympic cricket inclusion. The decision on Binny's future will be made by BCCI's state associations and influential stakeholders. The discussion regarding the National Sports Bill will not be limited to leadership tenure but will also involve broader policy implications.
As the BCCI navigates these changes, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition that upholds the spirit of transparency and accountability while maintaining the sport's growth and success.
Sports will play a crucial role in determining Roger Binny's future as the BCCI President, given the age limit regulations set by the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025. With cricket making its Olympic debut in 2028, the continued success and growth of the BCCI hinges on adherence to this bill, which will bring transparency, accountability, and a more global sporting perspective to its leadership.
