Jay Shah set to be named ICC Chairman, to become youngest ICC supremo

BCCI secretary Jay Shah is set to be named as the new ICC chairman by this month, MyKhel understands.

The Indian administrator has been in the reckoning for the top post of the apex council of world cricket, and he may be announced as the supremo soon.

Current ICC chief Greg Barclay announced his wish to not renew his post which ends on November 30. Barclay served two tenures as the ICC chairman before announcing his leave from the post on Tuesday (August 20).

"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," a media release from ICC read.

"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," it added.

With the last day of nomination being August 27, Shah is likely to get his throne if he wishes. The BCCI secretary's tenure at Indian cricket ends in October 2025 and he will have to go for a mandatory cool off for three years after that. If he takes up the ICC role, Shah would still have four years left at BCCI.

A source close to the developments told MyKhel that Shah shall nominate himself for the role and his coronation then can only be a matter of time. He is officially going to take over the role from December 1.

How can Jay Shah become ICC chairman?

As per current ICC norms, out of 16 votes, a simple majority ensures the winner in the vote. Previously, a two-third majority was required. Hence, Jay Shah will require 9 out of 16 votes to become the next ICC chairman.

Shah is one of the most influential figures in world cricket at the moment. Hence, if he nominates himself for the race, the BCCI secretary is likely to take over the role from Barclay.

As Shah takes over the reins, the Indian will become the youngest-ever ICC president. He will also become the fifth Indian to spearhead ICC after Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar.