BCCI secretary Jay Shah is all set to take over as the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, reported ‘The Age’ on Wednesday. Speculations of Jay Shah’s elevation were ripe after current ICC chairman Greg Barclay opted out of a third term on Tuesday after the end of his tenure on November 30.
“Two sources with knowledge of discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity because negotiations are confidential, confirmed the move late on Tuesday night,” the report added.
The BCCI secretary has reportedly received backing from Cricket Australia, England and Wales Cricket Board and other full-time members.
There has been no official confirmation from either Shah or ICC on the matter. The last date to file official nominations for the post is August 27.
An ICC chairman is eligible for three terms of two years each and Barclay, a New Zealand-based attorney, has so far completed four years.
“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.
“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”, the media release further reads.
As per ICC rules, the chairman’s election comprises of 16 votes and now a simple majority of nine votes is required (51%) for the winner. Earlier, to become the chairman, the incumbent needed to have two-third majority.
Shah is considered as one of the most influential faces in the ICC board room. He is currently the head of ICC’s all-powerful Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee.
Jagmohan Dalmiya (1997 to 2000), Sharad Pawar (2010-2012) — as presidents — and N Srinivasan (2014 to 2015) and Shashank Manohar (2015 to 2020) — as chairmen — are the only four Indians who have headed ICC in the past. Shah, who is also the son of India’s home minister Amit Shah, will become the third to do so when he officially replaces Barclay in November.
At 35, Jay Shah will become the youngest chairman in the history of ICC.
