At 35, Jay Shah could be the youngest chairman in the history of ICC.
The election for the next International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman is set to take place at the end of this year. New Zealand’s Greg Barclay, who has been holding the post for the past four years, opted out of a third term following the end of his tenure on November 30.
The recent development has sparked speculations on BCCI secretary Jay Shah's future at the ICC. Whether Shah is interested to take up the role will become clear by August 27 - the last date for filing nominations for the chairman's post.
"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," ICC said in a media release.
According to ICC rules, the chairman's election comprises of 16 votes and a simple majority of nine votes is required (51%) for the winner.
"Current directors are now required to put forward nominations for the next Chair by 27 August 2024 and if there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new Chair commencing on 1 December 2024."
Jay Shah is considered as one of the most influential faces in the ICC board room. He is currently heading the apex body’s Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee.
Shah shares a strong bond with most of the 16 voting members. Currently, he has another one year left as the BCCI secretary before going on a mandatory cooling off period of three years from October 2025.
As per the BCCI constitution approved by the Supreme Court, an official can hold onto a position for six years before he needs to go for a cooling off period of three years.
Overall, an individual can stay in office for a cumulative period of 18 years, -- nine in state association and nine in BCCI.
Jay Shah, 35, could be the youngest chairman in the history of ICC. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar are the Indians who have spearheaded the cricket’s governing body in the past.
(With PTI Inputs)