(PTI Photo)
With current ICC Chairman Greg Barclay deciding not to pursue a third term after his tenure ends on November 30, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is emerging as the likely successor. Reports suggest Shah is poised to replace Barclay as the head of the International Cricket Council.
According to a report in The Age, Shah’s path to the role seems secure, with support from countries such as Australia and England, among others, ensuring he will lead the ICC for at least three years under a revised constitution.
Jay Shah’s interest in the chairman position will be confirmed by August 27, the final date for nominations.
The ICC chairman role allows for up to three terms of two years each, and Barclay, a New Zealand-based attorney, has completed four years in the position so far.
“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. Barclay was appointed as the Independent ICC Chair in November 2020, before being re-elected in 2022,” the ICC stated in a media release.
Under ICC regulations, the chairman’s election now requires a simple majority of nine out of 16 votes (51%) to win. Previously, a two-thirds majority was needed to secure the position.
“Current directors are now required to put forward nominations for the next Chair by 27 August 2024 and if there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new Chair commencing on 1 December 2024.”
Shah is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the ICC boardroom and currently leads the ICC’s crucial Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee.
He has garnered considerable support from the 16 voting members. Shah has one year remaining in his role as BCCI Secretary before he must take a mandatory three-year cooling-off period starting in October 2025.
According to the BCCI constitution approved by the Supreme Court, an office bearer can serve for a maximum of six years before undergoing a three-year cooling-off period. Overall, an individual can hold office for a total of 18 years—nine years in a state association and nine years in the BCCI.
If Shah opts to transition to the ICC while still having a year remaining in his role as BCCI Secretary, he will have four years left on his BCCI tenure.
“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. Barclay was appointed as the independent ICC chair in November 2020, before being re-elected in 2022,” an ICC spokesperson said.
“Current directors are now required to put forward nominations for the next chair by 27 August 2024 and if there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new chair commencing on 1 December 2024.”
At 35, Shah could become the youngest chairman in the history of the ICC.
Previously, Indians who have led the ICC include Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.
