Roger Binny, member of the 1983 World Cup-winning squad, was elected as the new President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during its 91st Annual General Meeting at the Taj Mahal Hotel in Mumbai on Tuesday, October 18. Binny will take over the duties from former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, whose three-year tenure as the BCCI chief comes to an end.
The other office bearers, who were elected unanimously include Jay Shah (secretary), Ashish Shelar (treasurer), Rajeev Shukla (vice-president) and Devajit Saikia (joint secretary). Outgoing treasurer Arun Dhumal will be the new IPL chairman as Brijesh Patel will turn 70 next month.
Binny, who represented India in 27 Tests and 72 ODIs, was a handy batter down the order. He is most remembered for his performance in the 1983 World Cup. With 18 wickets, Binny ended up as highest wicket-taker of the tournament and played a key role in the Kapil Dev-led Team India lifting their maiden ODI trophy.
His team-mate for many years, Madan Lal is elated at the unanimous choice of the 67-year-old Binny and hopes that Indian cricket will be in a much better position than it is currently under the new boss.
“Like they say, nicest things happen to the nicest persons. I am sure Roger will definitely do well. All of us are very happy. At the end of the day, he has to do the job. Whatever decisions he will take, he will take them wisely. I wish him good luck. I am very happy. He is a gentleman. He has to make some tough decisions. When you are in that position, you have to give your mind. At the end of the day, it is the committee’s decision,” Lal was quoted as saying to the reporters.