(Image source from: x.com/ShuklaRajiv)
Rajeev Shukla, the vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has expressed that there is no need to dwell on the prospect of his assuming the role of interim president of the BCCI following the conclusion of Roger Binny's term, describing the situation as a matter of procedure. Speculation regarding Shukla potentially succeeding Binny, who will celebrate his 70th birthday on July 19, surfaced widely across social media on Monday morning. At the age of 65, Shukla is anticipated to step in temporarily for a span of three months. Sources indicate that with the Annual General Meeting set for September, coinciding with his 66th birthday, he may decide to run for the full-time presidency in the forthcoming elections. Shukla commented on the swirling rumors, dismissing them as pointless chatter. For him, assuming the interim role is simply a procedural obligation without any significance beyond that.
"It’s all pointless speculation. When a position is about to become vacant, the next person in line typically takes on the interim duty prior to the election. It's just a standard procedure," Shukla stated. Roger Binny was elected as the 36th president of the BCCI in October 2022, taking over from former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, who finished his three-year term. Importantly, Binny was the sole candidate who submitted a nomination for the prestigious role. Under his leadership, India achieved notable success, capturing two white-ball titles: the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He also launched the Women's Premier League (WPL), a women’s franchise cricket league inspired by the hugely popular Indian Premier League (IPL).
During his time as president, significant measures aimed at enhancing and prioritizing domestic cricket were implemented, which included improved incentives, compensation, and increased senior participation in domestic events. As a bowling all-rounder, Binny represented India in 27 Test matches and 72 ODIs throughout his playing career. He managed to take 47 wickets in Tests while accumulating 830 runs with five half-centuries. In the 72 ODIs he played, he also took 77 wickets and scored 629 runs, including one half-century. The right-arm pacer played a vital role in India's historic first World Cup victory in 1983, taking 18 wickets, which was the highest tally for India in that tournament. Binny has also previously been a member of the BCCI selection committee.
