BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is set to become the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), according to reports by The Age on Wednesday.
The development follows current ICC chairman Greg Barclay's decision to step down at the end of his tenure on November 30, opting out of a third term amid growing tensions over a $3 billion dispute with broadcast giant Star.
Barclay, a New Zealand-based attorney who has held the position since November 2020, chose not to continue after completing four years in office.
His decision was reportedly influenced by the ongoing conflict between the ICC and Star, its major broadcast rights holder. The fallout has created a significant vacuum at the top, paving the way for Shah’s possible ascension.
According to The Age, two anonymous sources confirmed the likelihood of Shah's appointment late Tuesday night.
The 35-year-old, who currently heads the ICC’s powerful Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee, is said to have garnered support from Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board, and other full-time ICC members.
Shah’s rise within the cricketing world has been meteoric. Known for his strategic acumen, he has become a dominant figure in the ICC boardroom.
His potential elevation to chairman could mark a significant shift in the balance of power within international cricket, particularly in light of the current broadcast dispute.
As of now, neither Shah nor the ICC has made an official statement regarding the development.
The deadline for filing official nominations for the post is August 27, with the new chairman's term set to begin on December 1, 2024.
The election process for the ICC chairman has also seen a recent change. Previously, a candidate required a two-thirds majority to secure the position.
However, the current system requires only a simple majority of nine votes out of 16, making the path to leadership slightly less arduous.
If appointed, Shah would be the youngest chairman in ICC history. His youth, combined with his extensive experience and influence, would position him as a formidable leader at the helm of world cricket.
Shah has one year remaining in his term as BCCI secretary before he must undergo a mandatory three-year cooling-off period beginning in October 2025.
The BCCI constitution, as approved by the Supreme Court, limits an office bearer’s tenure to six years before requiring a cooling-off period. A person can hold office for a cumulative total of 18 years—nine years at a state association and nine at the BCCI.
If Shah transitions to the ICC with a year left in his BCCI tenure, he would still have four years to make a significant impact at the international level.
His appointment would continue the tradition of Indian leadership at the ICC, following in the footsteps of Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.
Follow us
