BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is set to become the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), taking over from Greg Barclay, whose tenure ends in November 2024. Barclay has confirmed his decision to step down and not seek a third term, paving the way for Shah’s appointment.
Support and Nominations
Jay Shah, who has the backing of cricket boards from England and Australia, is well-positioned to secure the ICC chairmanship. Current ICC directors have until August 27, 2024, to submit nominations for the next chair, with the new term beginning on December 1, 2024. A simple majority of nine out of 16 votes is required to win the election, a change from the previous two-thirds majority requirement.
Historical Context and Jay Shah’s Role
Jay Shah, the son of India’s home minister Amit Shah, will become the fifth Indian to head the ICC, following the footsteps of Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar. At 35, Shah will also make history as the youngest chairman ever to lead the ICC.
BCCI Tenure and Future
Currently, Jay Shah has one year left as BCCI Secretary before he must undergo a mandatory three-year cooling-off period starting in October 2025. As per the BCCI constitution, an office bearer can serve for six years consecutively before taking a break. Shah’s move to the ICC chairmanship will allow him to continue his influence in international cricket governance while having four years remaining in his BCCI tenure.
This development marks a significant moment in cricket administration, with Shah’s leadership likely to shape the future direction of the sport globally.
