The sports governance bill will bring the world’s richest and most powerful cricket board under its ambit. There was considerable scepticism over how the legislation would impact the board’s functioning and affect its upcoming elections. TOI explains…
Is current BCCI president Roger Binny eligible for another term?
No. The 1983 World Cup-winning team’s hero is not eligible to contest for the president’s post for another term as he has already attained the maximum age limit of 70 years. Binny turned 70 last Saturday.
Why can’t he contest?
The bill followed the age provisions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), and International Federations (IFs). In cricket’s case, the sport’s global governing body – International Cricket Council (ICC) – did not have any age-cap provision, like 70 or 75 years. The bill incorporated the provisions of the Justice Lodha Committee, which framed the BCCI’s constitution, and set the age cap of 70 for its office-bearers. Therefore, Binny cannot contest.
Does BCCI have to conduct elections?
It is mandatory for BCCI to hold fresh elections in its Sept or Oct Annual General Meeting (AGM) to elect a new president and a set of office-bearers. Failing to do so would result in the govt’s refusal to renew its annual recognition as per the provisions of the governance bill. In case of failure, its recognition would be revoked and it would not be allowed to use the name ‘India’ to represent the country in international tournaments, or host any fixtures as a national team.
Can BCCI amend its constitution?
Yes. The BCCI’s constitution provides for one three-year term for an office-bearer, before a mandatory cooling-off period of the same duration. An office-bearer can again return to contest for any post after serving the cooling-off period. The BCCI could change its constitution at its AGM but in case of dispute, the aggrieved parties would have to approach the National Sports Tribunal first. The tribunal’s verdict can only be challenged in the Supreme Court.
