Jay Shah, who is currently the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is preparing to become the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). This change is expected to happen in November, following discussions about Shah’s plans to take on this new role.

Support from Key Cricket Boards

Shah has gained strong support from important cricket boards, particularly from England and Australia. This backing is crucial because, to be elected as chairman, a candidate needs a simple majority—just over half—of the 16 ICC voting members. In the past, a candidate needed a two-thirds majority, but now only nine votes are required.

Historical Context of Indian Leadership in ICC

If elected, Shah will be the third Indian to lead the ICC, following Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, and N Srinivasan. This highlights the growing influence of India in the global cricketing community.

The Election Process

To become the ICC chairman, a candidate needs to secure at least 51% of the votes, or nine out of the 16 voting members. Shah is expected to win easily because of the widespread support he has. He still has one year left in his current role as BCCI secretary before he must take a mandatory break, known as a “cooling-off period,” as required by the BCCI’s rules. According to these rules, office bearers can serve for a maximum of six years before they must take a three-year break.

Significance of Shah’s Candidacy

Shah’s potential rise to ICC chairman is a significant event for Indian cricket, as it demonstrates the BCCI’s growing power in the decision-making processes of the ICC. Shah also holds a powerful position as the chairperson of the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs sub-committee, which gives him even more influence in the sport. Once he officially takes over, Jay Shah will become the youngest person ever to serve as the ICC chairman, signaling the start of a new era of leadership in international cricket, with Shah representing the next generation of cricket leaders.