The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a significant rule change regarding the Chairman’s position, just as Jay Shah, the current Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), prepares to take on this prestigious role. Shah, who has held his position at BCCI for five years, is set to officially become the Chairman of ICC on December 1, 2024.
Major Shift in Chairman’s Tenure
Previously, the ICC Chairman’s role allowed for three terms of two years each, totaling six years. However, recent developments suggest that the terms will now be structured differently. Following a meeting in Dubai, ICC has proposed that the Chairman and Independent Director’s tenure will shift to two terms of three years each, maintaining the total of six years but giving the position more stability. This rule change is expected to bring more continuity to the leadership, allowing the Chairman to operate without the immediate pressure of elections every two years.
The proposal is currently awaiting approval from ICC’s full and associate members. Once approved, the new rule will come into effect. Though no specific reason was given for the change, reports suggest it is aimed at ensuring smoother governance and providing a stable leadership structure.
Stability and Security for the Chairman’s Role
According to reports, this decision is seen as a way to offer more security to the ICC Chairman and Independent Directors. With the extended tenure, the leadership can focus on long-term strategies without the distraction of frequent elections. Jay Shah, at just 35 years old, will replace Greg Barclay, who has been serving as Chairman since 2020. Barclay has completed two of his three terms and will step down to make way for Shah.
The changes in the Chairman’s tenure will not affect the overall term limit, which remains at six years. However, it gives the ICC leadership the opportunity to work with more stability and security, leading the organization with a longer-term perspective.
Impact on Women’s Rankings and Future Programs
Apart from changes to the Chairman’s role, the ICC Chief Executives Committee (CEC) has also implemented changes in the ranking rules for women’s cricket. To qualify for ICC rankings, teams will now need to play at least eight One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) matches per year, an increase from the previous requirement of six matches. This shift is designed to encourage more regular competition among women’s teams and ensure a more accurate ranking system.
Additionally, the ICC has approved the women’s Future Tour Program (FTP) for the 2025-2029 cycle. Details of the FTP will be announced soon, providing a clear roadmap for upcoming women’s international cricket matches.
The Road Ahead for Jay Shah and ICC
Jay Shah’s upcoming appointment as ICC Chairman marks a significant moment for the cricket world, particularly with the new rule changes in place. As Shah steps into the role, the ICC will be looking for stronger leadership and stability, allowing for smoother operations and long-term planning. These developments reflect the ICC’s commitment to evolving its structure for better governance, with a focus on both men’s and women’s cricket.
