The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, is set to become the next chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), replacing the current chairman, Greg Barclay. This significant development, confirmed by sources to NDTV, marks a pivotal moment in global cricket governance as Shah prepares to take over the reins in November.
Greg Barclay, who has been serving as the ICC chairman since November 2020 and was re-elected in 2022, has announced his decision not to seek a third term. During a recent video conference with ICC directors, including Cricket Australia's chair, Mike Baird, Barclay expressed his intent to step down. This move came after Shah's intentions to run for the position were made clear, signaling a smooth transition in leadership.
With the support of influential cricket boards, including those of England and Australia, Shah is poised to secure the majority needed to be crowned as the new ICC chairman. Under the current ICC rules, the chairman's election requires 16 votes, with a simple majority of nine votes (51%) necessary to win.
A New Chapter for Indian Cricket Leadership
Jay Shah's impending appointment marks a historic moment for Indian cricket, as he will become the fifth Indian to head the ICC. Previous Indian leaders in the ICC include Jagmohan Dalmiya (1997-2000), Sharad Pawar (2010-2012), N Srinivasan (2014-2015), and Shashank Manohar (2015-2020). At just 35 years old, Shah will also make history as the youngest chairman in the ICC's history.
Shah's ascension to this prestigious position is not only a testament to his leadership skills but also a reflection of India's growing influence in international cricket. The son of India's Home Minister, Amit Shah, Jay Shah has already made significant contributions to Indian cricket as the BCCI secretary. With one year remaining in his current role before entering a mandatory three-year cooling-off period in 2025, Shah's decision to move to the ICC signals his ambition to shape the future of global cricket.
A Smooth Transition Awaits
As the ICC prepares for this leadership transition, current directors are required to submit nominations for the next chair by August 27, 2024. If more than one candidate emerges, an election will be held, with the new chairman's term commencing on December 1, 2024.
Shah's candidacy has garnered widespread support, and his appointment is expected to be a formality given the backing he enjoys from key cricketing nations. His leadership at the ICC will be closely watched as he steps into a role that will have a profound impact on the future direction of world cricket.
Inputs by Agencies
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