Rajeev Shukla Removed as BCCI Chief; Indian Govt Takes Control of Board Ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Big news is coming from the world of Indian cricket. There have been some important changes at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 

It seems that Rajeev Shukla's chance to become the BCCI President has been affected, and the Indian government is now bringing the cricket board under new rules. 

These changes are happening right before the Asia Cup 2025. Let us understand what this all means.

Government Takes Board Under Its Wings

The main reason for these big changes is a new law called the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025. This bill has been presented in the Parliament. The government's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has created this bill to make sure all sports bodies in India, including the BCCI, follow clear rules for how they are run. 

This bill will officially call the BCCI a National Sports Federation (NSF). This means the BCCI will now come under the Sports Ministry's rules, even though it works independently and does not get money from the government. This step was expected, especially because Indian cricket teams will take part in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Rajeev Shukla's Presidency Plan Affected

Rajeev Shukla, who is a high-ranking official in the BCCI, was thought to be next in line for the president's role, especially if the current president, Roger Binny, had to step down due to an age limit. 

However, with the new National Sports Governance Bill coming in, the situation has changed. The bill aims to increase the age limit for sports officials. 

This change affects the need for an interim president like Mr. Shukla, as Mr. Binny might now be able to continue. In this way, the original plan for Mr. Shukla's presidency, which was linked to the old age rule, has now been set aside by this new law.

Roger Binny's Future as President

The new National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, includes a very important change: it wants to raise the maximum age limit for officials in all sports bodies from 70 years to 75 years. This is key for the BCCI. 

Roger Binny, the current BCCI President, recently turned 70. Under the old rules, he would have had to leave his position. 

But if this new bill becomes law and the BCCI follows it, Mr. Binny could now be allowed to complete his full term as president without facing legal issues because of his age.