It is reported that Jay Shah, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will take over from Greg Barclay as the youngest ICC chairman. Barclay recently announced his decision to step down from the position during a video call with the directors of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which included Mike Baird, the head of Cricket Australia.

Barclay made his choice after learning that Jay Shah intended to succeed him in November, according to NDTV. Shah now has the backing of the cricket boards in Australia and England, giving him the majority needed to lead the ICC. Only two Indians have held the role of ICC chief in the history of the international cricket body: Jagmohan Dalmiya (1997 to 2000) and Sharad Pawar (2010 to 2012).

youngest ICC chairman
Image Source: myKhel

When he formally succeeds Greg Barclay in November, Jay Shah, the son of India's Home Minister Amit Shah, will make history as the third Indian to hold this esteemed position. Shah is also on track to become the ICC's youngest chairman ever at the age of 35.

Nominations Open for Youngest ICC Chairman Role as Greg Barclay Announces Exit

"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," an ICC spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Age.

"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," the spokesperson added.

The chairman of the ICC is chosen by 16 votes, and as of right now, a simple majority of nine votes (51%) is enough to win the job. Previously, to become chairman, a two-thirds majority was needed.

youngest ICC chairman
Image Source: Javatpoint

Of the 16 voting members, Shah has gained a great deal of favor.

He still has one year left as BCCI secretary before he must serve as secretary for three years, beginning in October 2025.

An office bearer is allowed to hold office for six years under the Supreme Court-approved BCCI constitution, after which they must observe a three-year cooling-off period.

A person may serve in any capacity for a maximum of 18 years, which includes nine years in a state association and nine years in the BCCI.

Shah will still have four years of eligibility in the BCCI if he moves to the ICC with one year left on his secretaryship.

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