Jay Shah Set to Replace Greg Barclay as New ICC Chairman

Jay Shah, BCCI Secretary, poised to become ICC Chairman.

In a major shakeup within the International Cricket Council (ICC), Jay Shah, the current Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is poised to become the next ICC Chairman. This development comes as incumbent Greg Barclay confirmed he will not seek a third term, paving the way for Shah to take the helm in November 2024.

Greg Barclay, who has served as ICC Chairman since November 2020, announced his decision to step down during a recent ICC board meeting. Barclay’s leadership has been widely respected. He led the ICC through a pandemic, including the global pandemic’s impact on cricket. His decision not to run for another term opens the door for new leadership at a crucial time for the sport.

At just 35 years old, Jay Shah is set to make history as the youngest chairman of the ICC. Shah, the son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, has been a prominent figure in cricket administration, credited with several key initiatives during his tenure as BCCI Secretary. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping Indian cricket, and now, he is ready to bring his vision to the global stage.

Shah’s ascension to the ICC chairmanship comes with strong support from cricketing heavyweights like England and Australia. With a majority of nine out of 16 votes needed to win the chairmanship, Shah’s backing from these influential boards significantly bolsters his candidacy.

Jay Shah will become the fifth Indian to head the ICC, following Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar. His appointment continues India’s influential role in global cricket governance.

Also read: Jay Shah Continues to Lead Asian Cricket Council for Third Term

What’s Next for Shah and the ICC?

As Shah prepares to take over as ICC Chairman in December 2024, he will face numerous challenges, including expanding cricket’s global reach, ensuring fair governance, and maintaining the sport’s integrity. With a year left in his tenure as BCCI Secretary, Shah’s transition to the ICC could signal new opportunities for Indian and global cricket.