(Image source from: PTI)
Former Indian fast bowler Roger Binny is no longer the head of the BCCI. Rajeev Shukla, who was the Vice-President of the board, is now filling in as the acting leader until the upcoming elections. A report by Dainik Jagran mentioned that a meeting of the BCCI's Apex Council took place on Wednesday, led by Shukla, where the main topic was sponsorship. The meeting addressed ending the partnership with Dream11 and looking for a new sponsor for the upcoming two-and-a-half years. However, with the Asia Cup set to start on September 10, finding a new sponsor in time is a significant challenge. "We have less than two weeks left. We are making efforts, but starting a new tender, getting through legal steps, and dealing with details will take time. We are not pursuing a temporary sponsor just for the Asia Cup. Our priority is to find a sponsor for the next two-and-a-half years, until the ODI World Cup in October-November 2027," a source stated in the report.
Even after the National Sports Governance Law has been passed, the BCCI still needs to hold its Annual General Meeting and elections next month since the law has not yet been officially announced. The report noted that the law may take another four to five months to be legally active, which means the elections cannot be delayed. Currently, the board operates based on the constitution created following the Supreme Court's review of the Lodha Committee recommendations. Until the new law is in effect, both the BCCI and its state level associations must keep following the current rules. Recently, the Sports Ministry confirmed that elections at both levels will continue under the existing constitution until further updates. The report also indicated that if elections for either the BCCI or any state association are due, they will follow the current guidelines. The Lodha Committee recommendations will still be valid, and officials will be appointed or removed accordingly. According to these rules, office-bearers cannot be older than 70 years.
Some officials will also need to resign after either nine years total or six consecutive years in their roles. "If BCCI President Roger Binny had to resign, then state associations will need to accept the same situation," a source was quoted in the report.
