News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/21st August 2024
Current ICC Chairman Greg Barclay has announced that he will not seek a third term, ending speculation about the future leadership of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Barclay’s decision, communicated on Tuesday, will see his tenure conclude on November 30, paving the way for a new chairman. This development has ignited discussions about BCCI Secretary Jay Shah’s potential candidacy for the role.
Barclay, a New Zealand-based attorney, has served as ICC Chairman since November 2020 and was re-elected for a second term in 2022. The ICC allows for a maximum of three terms, each lasting two years. Having completed four years in the role, Barclay’s departure has left the position open for new contenders.
Under the ICC’s new rules, the election for the chairman requires a simple majority of nine out of 16 votes, a shift from the previous requirement of a two-thirds majority. This change is expected to influence the upcoming election process.
Nominations for the next ICC Chairman must be submitted by August 27, 2024. If multiple candidates are put forward, an election will be held with the new chairman set to assume office on December 1, 2024. This timeline will determine whether Jay Shah, who is widely regarded as a prominent figure within the ICC, will formally announce his candidacy.
Shah, currently serving as the head of the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee, is highly regarded by the 16 ICC voting members. His influence and established relationships within the ICC make him a strong candidate for the chairmanship. At 35, Shah could become the youngest person ever to hold the position, bringing a fresh perspective to the role.
Shah is also the BCCI Secretary, a role he will continue to hold until October 2025, when he will enter a mandatory cooling-off period. According to the BCCI constitution, which has been approved by the Supreme Court, an office bearer can serve for up to six years before needing to take a three-year break. Shah’s tenure at the BCCI has contributed to his significant standing within cricket’s governing bodies.
If Shah opts to pursue the ICC Chairmanship, he will be stepping into a role with substantial responsibilities, while leaving behind a year remaining in his current BCCI role. This move could set a precedent for future office bearers within the BCCI and the ICC, showcasing the dynamic nature of leadership within international cricket.
The upcoming election will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts and stakeholders worldwide. Jay Shah’s potential ascent to ICC Chairman would mark a significant milestone in his career and in the history of cricket administration. With influential figures like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar having previously held the position, Shah’s candidacy would continue the tradition of Indian leadership within the ICC.
As the deadline for nominations approaches, the cricketing world awaits further developments regarding Shah’s decision and the future leadership of the ICC.
