Jay Shah Poised to Become ICC Chairman Amid Speculations

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Jay Shah Poised to Become ICC Chairman Amid Speculations

In a significant development within the cricketing world, Jay Shah, the current Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is reportedly set to ascend to the prestigious position of International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman. This news has been circulating, although no official confirmation has been made by Shah or the ICC.

The speculation around Shah’s potential elevation gained momentum after the current ICC Chairman, Greg Barclay, announced his decision not to seek a third term. Barclay, a New Zealand-based attorney, has served as ICC Chairman since November 2020, having been re-elected in 2022. His decision to step down, effective at the end of November 2024, comes amid a reported $4.46 billion dispute between the ICC and its primary broadcast rights holder, Star Sports.

Reports from ‘The Age’ indicate that Shah has garnered substantial support from key cricket boards, including Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board. Shah, who currently heads the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee, is considered one of the most influential figures within the ICC boardroom. His strong rapport with the majority of the 16 voting members could play a crucial role in his likely election.

According to ICC regulations, the election for the chairman’s post requires a simple majority of nine out of 16 votes. The process allows for three terms of two years each, and with Barclay stepping down, the ICC board members have until August 27, 2024, to submit nominations. If more than one candidate is nominated, an election will take place, with the new chairman’s term beginning on December 1, 2024.

Jay Shah’s rise in the cricketing world has been remarkable. At just 35 years old, he is poised to become the youngest chairman in ICC history, should he secure the position. His tenure as BCCI Secretary, which began in October 2019, has been marked by significant achievements, including the successful organization of various high-profile cricketing events and his influential role in the ICC’s decision-making processes.

Shah’s tenure as BCCI Secretary is set to continue until October 2025, after which he is required to observe a mandatory three-year cooling-off period as per the BCCI constitution approved by the Supreme Court of India. The constitution stipulates that an office bearer can serve for a maximum of six years at a stretch, after which a cooling-off period must be observed. In total, an individual can serve for up to 18 years across state associations and the BCCI.

If Shah moves to the ICC with a year remaining in his BCCI secretaryship, he will have four years left within the BCCI framework post his tenure at the ICC. His potential chairmanship would follow a lineage of Indian cricket administrators who have previously held the ICC’s top position, including Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N. Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.

The cricketing community is keenly watching as the deadline for nominations approaches, with the prospect of Shah taking over as ICC Chairman generating significant interest. His leadership at the ICC could mark a new era for international cricket, especially given his track record in managing finances and commercial affairs in the sport.

As the situation unfolds, the cricketing world awaits official announcements, which are expected to provide clarity on Shah’s future role. For now, Jay Shah remains a central figure in global cricket administration, with his influence set to extend even further should he become the next ICC Chairman.

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