BCCI Set for Leadership Transition: Roger Binny’s Tenure Nears End as Rajeev Shukla Eyes Presidency
As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) approaches a pivotal moment, the cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation of a leadership change. Current president Roger Binny, who has steered Indian cricket through a transformative period, is set to step down as he turns 70 on July 19, adhering to the age limit rules mandated by the Lodha Committee reforms. With his tenure drawing to a close, all eyes are on Rajeev Shukla, the current Vice President, who is widely tipped to be the successor in this prestigious role.
Binny, who assumed the role of BCCI’s 36th president in October 2022, succeeded former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly after the latter completed his three-year term. Under Binny’s leadership, Indian cricket has soared to new heights. The national team clinched two monumental white-ball titles: the T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean, ending a long ICC trophy drought, and a dominant performance in the Champions Trophy earlier this year. These triumphs have solidified India’s reputation as a powerhouse in international cricket.
One of the hallmark achievements of Binny’s presidency has been the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023. Modeled after the globally acclaimed Indian Premier League (IPL), the WPL has provided a groundbreaking platform for women’s cricket, fostering talent and inspiring a new generation of female cricketers in India. This initiative has been lauded as a game-changer for gender equity in the sport, with franchises investing heavily in nurturing talent.
Domestically, Binny’s administration prioritized strengthening the grassroots framework. Measures such as enhanced pay structures, better incentives for domestic players, and encouraging senior international stars to participate in tournaments like the Ranji Trophy have revitalized interest in India’s domestic circuit. These steps have ensured a robust talent pipeline, critical for sustaining India’s dominance on the global stage.
Before his administrative stint, Binny was a celebrated figure on the field. A bowling all-rounder, he played 27 Test matches and 72 ODIs for India, amassing 830 Test runs with five fifties and taking 47 Test wickets. In ODIs, he scored 629 runs and claimed 77 wickets with his disciplined right-arm pace bowling. His crowning glory came during India’s historic 1983 World Cup triumph, where he emerged as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 18 scalps, playing a pivotal role in India’s maiden World Cup victory at Lord’s.
As Binny’s exit looms, Rajeev Shukla, aged 65, is expected to step into the interim role of acting president for three months before the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September. Shukla, a seasoned administrator with deep ties to Indian cricket governance, is likely to table his candidature for the full-time presidency. His experience and strategic vision will be crucial as the BCCI navigates upcoming challenges, including the expansion of the IPL and preparations for hosting major ICC events in the near future.
The transition marks the end of an era for Binny, whose legacy will be remembered for his dual contributions as a World Cup hero and a visionary leader. As Indian cricket stands at this crossroads, fans and stakeholders alike await the next chapter under Shukla’s potential leadership. Will he build on Binny’s foundation to elevate the game further? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for an exciting new phase in the BCCI’s illustrious history.