Jay Shah, the current secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is expected to become the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah, who has received strong support from the cricket boards of England and Australia, appears to have the required backing to secure the role. There had been rumours from the last six months about this.
If approved, Shah, 35, will become the ICC’s youngest chairman and only the sixth Indian to do so, behind Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.
Greg Barclay, the current ICC chairman, said on Tuesday that he will not seek a third term. Barclay’s term, which ends on November 30, might have been extended for another term, but he declined after learning of Shah’s plans to follow him. The decision sets the path for Shah’s possible chairmanship of the ICC.
Jay Shah’s Influence on ICC
Jay Shah is a well-known figure in cricket administration, having led the International Cricket Council’s financial and commercial affairs sub-committee. His strong relationships with the ICC’s 16 voting members benefit his campaign. In the event of an election, Shah would require a simple majority—51% of the vote, or at least nine votes—to win. This represents a considerable shift from the former requirement of a two-thirds majority.
How Did Jay Shah Get into Cricket Administration?
Jay Shah’s career in cricket administration began with his involvement with the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA). Jay Shah, the son of Amit Shah, a significant political figure, had access to influential networks, but it was his drive and passion for cricket that ultimately propelled him forward. He began his administrative career in 2009, working in a variety of positions for the GCA. His outstanding management and strategic vision immediately garnered him attention, and he was appointed as the GCA’s joint secretary.
Shah’s administrative abilities were recognized further in 2013 when he was voted as the GCA’s secretary. During his tenure, Gujarat cricket experienced enormous growth, including the construction of the world’s largest cricket venue, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Shah’s achievements at the state level catapulted him to the national scene, where he was chosen as the BCCI secretary in 2019.
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