Jay Shah ICC New Chairman: There is big news regarding Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He has been elected as the new Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Jay Shah will replace Greg Barclay. Shah was the only applicant for the ICC Chairman position, resulting in his unopposed election. The last date for the application was Tuesday (August 27).
The current term of ICC Chairman Greg Barclay ends on November 30. He has served for two consecutive terms but recently withdrew from the race for a third term, strongly positioning Jay Shah as the future candidate for the role within the global governing body of cricket.
The ICC Chairman is eligible for three terms of two years each, and New Zealand lawyer Greg Barclay has completed four years. Barclay was appointed as the independent Chairman of the ICC in November 2020 and was re-elected in 2022.
ICC’s Statement on Jay Shah’s Appointment
In a statement released by the ICC, it said, 'Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the new ICC Chairman. Since October 2019, Jay Shah has been the Secretary of BCCI and since 2021, he has chaired the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). He will assume the role of ICC Chairman from December 1. Following Greg Barclay’s withdrawal from the election, he was the sole candidate.'
Rules for ICC Chairman Election
According to ICC rules, there are 16 votes in the chairman’s election, and the winner now requires a simple majority of 9 votes (51%). Previously, a two-thirds majority was required for the incumbent to become chairman.
Recently, the ICC announced that the current directors must submit nominations for the next chairman by August 27, 2024. If there is more than one candidate, an election will be held, and the new chairman's term will start on December 1, 2024.
Why Jay Shah was a Strong Contender for Chairman
Shah is considered one of the most influential faces on the ICC board. He currently heads ICC’s powerful Finance and Commercial Affairs sub-committee.
He has very good relationships with most of the 16 voting members. Shah, who has one year left as BCCI Secretary before a mandatory three-year cooling-off period starting October 2025, still has considerable support.
According to the BCCI constitution approved by the Supreme Court, an office-bearer can serve for up to six years before a three-year cooling-off period. In total, an individual can serve 18 years—nine years each at the state association and BCCI levels.
Is Shah the Youngest Chairman Ever?
At 35, Jay Shah becomes the youngest Chairman in ICC history with this appointment. Previously, Indian leaders like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar have led the ICC.
