Jay Shah Could Become ICC’s Youngest Chairman: Only 6 Days Left for Nominations, 9 Votes Needed; 4 Indians Have Held the Role

Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is expected to become the youngest president in the history of the International Cricket Council (ICC). His candidacy is considered strong.

Current ICC President Greg Barclay’s term is set to end on November 30. Barclay stated on Tuesday that he does not wish to seek a third term.

Following this, discussions have intensified regarding BCCI Secretary Jay Shah potentially becoming the ICC President. However, there has been no official statement yet from BCCI or Jay Shah on this matter.

In a statement released by the ICC on Tuesday, it was mentioned, “ICC President Greg Barclay has confirmed that he will not be a candidate for a third term and will step down at the end of his current term in November.”

Nomination Deadline for ICC President is August 27

The deadline for nominations for the ICC President is August 27. The term for the ICC President is two years, with the possibility of serving up to three consecutive terms. 

Greg Barclay from New Zealand was appointed ICC President in November 2020 and was re-elected for the position in 2022.

ICC Chairman Election: 9 Votes Required from 16 Directors

According to ICC regulations, the election for the Chairman involves 16 directors casting their votes. To become Chairman, a candidate needs to secure 9 votes. Previously, a two-thirds majority was required to win the position.

Why the Discussion About Jay Shah Becoming ICC Chairman?

The discussion about Jay Shah potentially becoming the ICC Chairman arises because he still has one year remaining in his term as BCCI Secretary. According to the BCCI’s constitution, an official can hold the position for up to six years before a three-year cooling-off period is required. 

In total, an individual can serve for up to 18 years, including nine years in state associations and nine years in the BCCI.

Jay Shah became BCCI Secretary in October 2019 and was re-elected for the position in 2022. According to BCCI regulations, after completing his current term in 2025, he will need to undergo the cooling-off period.

Jay Shah Heads ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Sub-Committee

Jay Shah currently serves as the Chairman of the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Sub-Committee. Additionally, he has established strong relationships with most of the 16 voters involved in the election process.

Four Indians Have Served as ICC Presidents

So far, four Indians have held the position of ICC President. Jagmohan Dalmiya served as ICC President from 1997 to 2000. Sharad Pawar held the role from 2010 to 2012. 

N. Srinivasan was the ICC Chairman from 2014 to 2015, and Shashank Manohar served from 2015 to 2020. Before 2015, the position was known as President; thereafter, it was referred to as Chairman.