Roger Binny’s tenure as the BCCI president has been under a cloud of doubt after he turned 70 on July 19.
According to the BCCI constitution, approved by the Supreme Court, a person turning 70 is immediately ineligible to continue in his post. But the National Sports Bill, which is set to be tabled in the ongoing Monsoon session of the Parliament, provides some respite for the former all-rounder.
According to the draft bill, the cap for an office-bearer in a sports federation has been raised from 70 to 75. The bill states that any individual between 70 and 75 can contest elections only if the concerned federation’s bylaws do not prevent it.
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Since the above statute is in contradiction to the BCCI constitution, Binny will not be allowed to continue till 75. However, another provision in the bill allows individuals to complete their tenure if they were less than 70 at the time of filing nominations.
Hence, under this provision, Binny will be allowed to complete his current tenure once the bill becomes an Act after it is passed.
Reports had suggested that Vice President Rajiv Shukla could take over as acting president, but there has been no official information from the top body on the matter.
