BCCI secretary Jay Shah is reportedly poised to take over as the next chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), according to a report by ‘The Age’ on Wednesday. Speculation about Shah’s promotion intensified after current ICC chairman Greg Barclay announced on Tuesday that he would not seek a third term, with his tenure set to conclude on November 30.

Greg Barclay steps down, Jay Shah becomes top contender

Barclay’s resignation was “amid a $US3 billion ($4.46 billion) dispute between the governing body and its major broadcast rights holder Star.” The Age reported

“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.

Shah is said to have garnered significant support from Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board, and other full members of the ICC. However, no formal statements have been made by either Shah or the ICC regarding the matter. The deadline for submitting official nominations for the position is August 27.

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The ICC chairmanship comes with a potential three-term tenure, each lasting two years. Barclay, a New Zealand lawyer, has so far served for four years in the role.

“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.

According to ICC regulations, the chairman’s election now involves a voting body of 16 members, with a simple majority of nine votes (51%) required for a candidate to secure the position. Previously, a candidate needed a two-thirds majority to be elected as chairman.

“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.”

Massive Boost to Indian Cricket

If Jay Shah becomes the chairman of ICC, which is most likely to happen, then Indian cricket is going to propel and reach new heights. Jay Shah has worked diligently as the BCCI secretary and him taking over as the chairman of ICC will provide significant boost to opportunities in Indian cricket. He recently made a very important decision of equal pay for both men’s and women’s team which was very significant in promoting equality within the game. Shah has been putting in all possible efforts by introducing more opportunities, giving proper facilities to the players which indeed has made cricket a top sport in India. Even the Indian Team is the strongest amongst all. Jay Shah’s new appointment as the chairman will bring in new positives for cricket in India.

Jay Shah to take over as the youngest chairman of ICC

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is considered to be one of the most influential figures in the ICC. He is also the head of ICC’s all-powerful Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee. Shah even has one year left as the Secretary of BCCI.

Also Read: Jay Shah On Cusp Of ICC Chairmanship As Greg Barclay Prepares To Step Down

At just 35, Shah could become the youngest ICC chairman in history. Previous Indian leaders of the ICC include Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.

As per the BCCI constitution, ratified by the Supreme Court, an office bearer can serve for a maximum of six consecutive years before being required to take a three-year cooling-off period. Overall, an individual can remain in office for up to 18 years—nine years with a state association and another nine with the BCCI. Should Jay Shah choose to ascend to the ICC while he still has a year left as BCCI secretary, he would retain four years of eligibility with the board.