In a significant development within Indian cricket’s administrative circles, Rajeev Shukla is poised to take charge as the next president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as early as next month, according to sources quoted by the Press Trust of India (PTI).
The anticipated leadership change comes in the wake of the current BCCI President, Roger Binny, nearing the age limit set by the BCCI’s governing constitution. Binny, a former Indian cricketer and World Cup winner, will turn 70 on July 19, 2025.
As per the BCCI’s constitutional rules, the age cap for the presidential post is 70 years, thereby making Binny ineligible to continue in the role beyond that point.
Binny had taken over the reins from former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly in 2022, marking a respected tenure in which he steered the board through various domestic and international cricketing agendas.
With Binny nearing the threshold, all indications now point toward Rajeev Shukla being the unanimous choice for the role.
Shukla, a seasoned administrator and long-time insider within Indian cricket’s governing structure, currently holds the position of Vice-President of the BCCI, a role he has been serving in since 2020.
Before this, he was closely associated with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), serving as its secretary until 2017.
Shukla also has a well-documented history with the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he served as Chairman until 2018.
Under his leadership, the IPL grew in stature, viewership, and commercial success. His ability to navigate complex administrative challenges, liaise with international stakeholders, and maintain a steady governance framework has often been cited as among his key strengths.
However, Shukla’s profile is not confined to the cricketing world alone. He is a multifaceted personality who has built a distinguished career across multiple domains, including journalism and national politics.
His professional journey began in the 1980s in the field of journalism. During this period, he contributed extensively to renowned publications such as Jansatta, Sunday, and The Sunday Observer.
His sharp political insight and articulate reporting soon earned him visibility in the media landscape. What truly brought him into the limelight, however, were his appearances on television where he hosted a series of political talk shows and interviews.
These programs, characterized by their candid discussions and high-profile guests, helped establish Shukla as a respected political commentator.
Shukla transitioned into active politics in the year 2000, marking yet another chapter in his dynamic career. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, where he represented the Indian National Congress.
During his political career, he held several key responsibilities, including serving as the Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and the Ministry of Planning during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
His political roles placed him at the intersection of governance and legislative affairs, further strengthening his credentials as a seasoned administrator.
As Shukla prepares to potentially step into one of Indian cricket’s most powerful and influential roles, his blend of administrative experience, media savvy, and political acumen could prove pivotal in steering the BCCI through its evolving challenges and global responsibilities.
Insiders suggest that Shukla enjoys strong support within the board and is widely regarded as a consensus builder — qualities that may smooth the transition and maintain continuity at the helm of the world’s richest and most influential cricket board.
An official confirmation is expected in the coming weeks, but all signs currently indicate that Rajeev Shukla is on course to become the next President of the BCCI, ushering in a new era of leadership as Indian cricket continues to grow in stature on the global stage.