Jay Shah Set to Lead ICC as New Chairman After Greg Barclay Steps Down

Jay Shah, the current secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is reportedly set to take over as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). This development comes after Greg Barclay, the incumbent ICC chairman, decided to step down from his position, allegedly under pressure from Shah, according to media reports. The leadership transition at ICC is happening amidst a $3 billion media rights dispute involving the ICC and TV broadcasters Star, adding further complexity to the global cricket governance.

Jay Shah Poised to Become ICC Chairman After Greg Barclay's Exit

Greg Barclay to Step Down: A Leadership Shift at ICC

As per reports from Australia’s The Age newspaper, Greg Barclay, a New Zealand-based attorney who has served as the independent ICC chairman since November 2020, conveyed his intention to resign to ICC directors, including Cricket Australia’s chairman Mike Baird. This decision reportedly followed Jay Shah informing Barclay of his desire to replace him in November, with the support required to secure the position.

An ICC spokesperson confirmed this development, stating, “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 spokesperson further added that current directors are now required to submit nominations for the next chair by August 27, 2024. If multiple candidates emerge, an election will be held, with the new chair’s term commencing on December 1, 2024.

Jay Shah Secures Key Support from Australia and England

Jay Shah, who is the son of India's Home Minister Amit Shah, has reportedly secured backing from influential cricket boards, including those of Australia and England. This support paves the way for him to potentially lead the International Cricket Council (ICC) for at least three years under a revised constitution. Shah’s term as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary was initially set to expire next year, but his strategic positioning within the ICC, particularly as the head of the Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee, has bolstered his influence on the global stage.

Greg Barclay’s Tenure and Challenges Faced by ICC

Greg Barclay was eligible for another two-year term as ICC chairman but chose to step down amid growing pressures. His tenure has seen significant challenges, including the ICC’s handling of the USA-based leg of the T20 World Cup 2024, which exceeded its operational budget by $20 million. Additionally, there is ongoing uncertainty regarding India’s participation in the ICC ODI Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan.

Jay Shah’s ascent within the ICC coincides with Star’s pursuit of relief from the massive deal it signed with the ICC in late 2022, which granted the broadcaster rights to global cricket events in India from 2024 to 2027. This backdrop adds another layer of complexity to the current leadership transition at ICC.

The Election Process and Jay Shah’s Prospects

The ICC chairman’s election process involves 16 votes, with a simple majority of nine votes (51 percent) now required to secure the position. This is a change from the previous requirement of a two-thirds majority. If Shah moves to the ICC with a year still left in his BCCI secretaryship, he will retain four years with the BCCI. At just 35 years old, Shah could become the youngest chairman in ICC history, following in the footsteps of other influential Indians like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N. Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar, who have previously headed the ICC.

Conclusion

Jay Shah’s likely ascension to the role of ICC chairman marks a significant shift in the leadership of global cricket. His strategic maneuvers within the ICC and the support he has garnered position him as a pivotal figure in the future of international cricket governance. As the cricketing world awaits the official confirmation of his appointment, the implications of this leadership change will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the sport.