BCCI Secretary Jay Shah To Be New ICC Chairman: Reports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, is poised to succeed Greg Barclay as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Media reports quoting sources on condition of anonymity have confirmed the news. Barclay informed ICC directors, including Cricket Australia's chair Mike Baird, during a video conference that he would not seek a third term. This decision follows Jay Shah's expressed interest in taking over the role of ICC chairman in November.

Barclay's tenure as the independent ICC chair began in November 2020 and he was re-elected in 2022. An ICC spokesperson told The Age, "ICC chair Greg Barclay confirmed to the board that he will not stand for a third term and will step down from the post when his current tenure finishes at the end of November." Current directors must submit nominations for the next chair by 27 August 2024. If multiple candidates emerge, an election will be held with the new chair's term starting on 1 December 2024.

Jay Shah's Backing and Historical Context

Shah has garnered support from cricket boards in England and Australia, giving him sufficient backing to secure the ICC chief position. Historically, only two Indians have held this prestigious role: Jagmohan Dalmiya from 1997 to 2000 and Sharad Pawar from 2010 to 2012. Shah, who is also the son of India's home minister Amit Shah, will become the third Indian to achieve this milestone when he officially replaces Barclay.

The election process for the ICC chairman involves 16 votes, with a simple majority of nine votes (51%) now required for victory. Previously, a two-thirds majority was necessary. Shah enjoys significant goodwill among most of the 16 voting members. Currently serving as BCCI secretary, Shah has one year left before a mandatory three-year cooling-off period begins in October 2025.

BCCI Tenure and Future Prospects

According to the BCCI constitution approved by the Supreme Court, an office bearer can serve for six years before needing a three-year cooling-off period. In total, an individual can hold office for up to 18 years-nine years in state associations and nine years in BCCI. If Shah transitions to ICC with one year remaining as BCCI secretary, he will still have four years left within BCCI after his ICC tenure.

At just 35 years old, Jay Shah is set to become the youngest chairman in ICC history. His ascension marks a significant moment not only for him but also for Indian cricket on an international stage.