Jay Shah, the current Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stands at the threshold of a monumental decision: becoming the next ICC Chairman. Having been instrumental in BCCI affairs since joining in 2015 and assuming the Secretary role in 2019, Shah now eyes the pinnacle of international cricket leadership.
The incumbent ICC Chairman, Greg Barclay, took office in 2020 and is eligible for re-election. However, Shah has thrown his hat into the ring for the position, likely garnering unanimous support if he proceeds. Barclay, originally backed by Shah, might step aside should the BCCI Secretary opt to ascend to the ICC role.
Yet, there’s a significant consideration. Shah reportedly harbors reservations about relocating from Mumbai to Dubai for the ICC Chairman’s responsibilities, as reported by Cricbuzz. With the election slated for November, Shah has a three-month window to finalize his decision, potentially influenced by recent developments such as the contentious T20 World Cup 2024 held in the USA and the West Indies.
Should Shah accept the ICC Chairman’s role, he would serve a mandated 3-year term. Earlier rules allowed for three 2-year terms, now condensed to two 3-year terms, reflecting recent governance changes. Upon the conclusion of his ICC tenure, Shah would be eligible to vie for the coveted position of BCCI President, a pinnacle in Indian cricket leadership.
Per the BCCI’s constitution, achieving the presidency requires a cumulative 9 years of governance experience. Assuming his Secretaryship in 2019, Shah’s prospective ICC term until 2028 aligns strategically with this path to the apex of cricket board leadership.
