Stepping into the Hot Seat: Rajeev Shukla Takes Over as BCCI Interim President
Interim BCCI Presidency Assumed by Rajeev Shukla Following Roger Binny's Retirement
Bid adieu to Roger Binny, the 1983 World Cup hero, as he prepares to exit the helm of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) by July 2025. Binny's departure is inevitable due to the age cap of 70 years as set by the BCCI's governing rules. Having served as BCCI President since October 2022, Binny's tenure has been marked by a focus on domestic cricket development and diplomacy on the world stage.
Stepping up as the interim boss until elections or a permanent successor is announced is none other than Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of BCCI and a prominent figure in both Indian cricket administration and politics.
A Glance at Rajeev Shukla's Background
- Politics and Journalism: Before making a name for himself in cricket administration, Shukla was a journalist and later entered politics in 2000, rising to become a national spokesperson for the Indian National Congress (INC). His political success led to a seat in the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament.
- Cricket Administration: Shukla's cricket administration career began with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association before ascending to key positions within the BCCI, one of the world's most powerful sports organizations.
- IPL Chairman: Shukla's most notable role within the IPL was as Chairman, guiding the league through financially successful yet contentious times, serving from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2016-present[2][5].
From Politics to Cricket and Back
As a member of the INC, Shukla's political career intertwines with his cricket administration roles, lending him invaluable influence over sports governance and policy in India[1][2].
The BCCI Constitution and Age Cap Clause
The age-based provision stems from the Lodha Committee reforms accepted by the Supreme Court and forms the current BCCI constitution, stating that no individual above the age of 70 years can hold a post in the BCCI[4].
The BCCI's Immediate Future
- Shukla's interim term is set to continue until the BCCI's next Annual General Meeting (AGM), where elections for a permanent president may be held.
- The board may also consider revisiting certain rules, especially tenure and age-related criteria, with member associations if there is consensus for change[4].
Shukla's Role and Reactions
- As a seasoned administrator and media-savvy figure, Shukla brings organizational skills and strategic relationships to the table. His appointment is viewed as maintaining experienced leadership in Indian cricket administration[6].
- Experts anticipate that under Shukla's leadership, the board will focus on:
- Strengthening domestic cricket
- Preparations for upcoming ICC tournaments
- IPL expansion and international scheduling
FAQs on Rajeev Shukla Becoming BCCI Interim President
Why is Roger Binny stepping down as BCCI President?
Binny must resign due to age restrictions imposed by BCCI's constitution.
Who will replace Roger Binny as BCCI President?
Rajeev Shukla, the current BCCI Vice President, will serve as interim president until a permanent successor is appointed.
When will the leadership transition take place?
The transition is expected in July 2025, though the exact date will be finalized in upcoming meetings.
Is Rajeev Shukla a permanent BCCI President now?
No, he is an interim appointee until elections or a permanent successor is chosen.
What is Rajeev Shukla's background?
Born as a journalist, Shukla later evolved into a politician and cricket administrator. He spent time at the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association before assuming major roles within the BCCI, serving as Chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for various periods and becoming BCCI Vice President in 2020[2][5]. In addition, he remains an active Rajya Sabha MP in the Indian National Congress (INC)[1][2].
In the interim, Rajeev Shukla, a politician and cricket administrator, takes over as the BCCI President, a position he will hold until elections or a permanent successor is announced, in July 2025. Shukla's appointment follows the age cap clause of 70 years set by the BCCI's governing rules, which necessitates the departure of the previous President, Roger Binny, who made a name for himself in cricket administration as well as excelling in politics before entering the world of cricket.
