The future ICC Annual Conference in Colombo will start on Friday and it is poised to be a landmark event for the world of cricket. The eyes of all cricket fans will be particularly focused on BCCI Secretary Jay Shah as there may be serious deliberations about when he would step up from New Zealander Greg Barclay as the chairman of the global body.
Among the major issues that are expected to dominate discussions at the conference are financial losses incurred by ICC over hosting T20 World Cup games in America.
The losses have been estimated to exceed 20 million US dollars. Although financial details are not explicitly contained within its nine-point agenda, they will feature under “post-event report” which is part and parcel of any normal operating procedure.
Additionally, appointment of ICC new external auditor shall be discussed alongside other topics including discussions concerning membership issues, reports from associate members’ meetings as well as ICC development awards presentations.
One important issue which could be brought up during Any Other Business even though it is not part of the official agenda for the ICC Board’s meeting is India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan for Champions Trophy.
According to an insider from International Cricket Council Jay Shah’s ascension into top job remains one of the most intriguing things among other interests. The source said, “It’s now not about how but when because he still has one more year remaining as BCCl Secretary before his cooling off period starts in Indian board constitutionally in 2025. But if he has to take over in 2025 then Barclay cannot complete his third term consisting two years starting December 2024 and ending December 2026.”
This speculation suggests that instead of having three two-year terms serve as Chairperson; it would become two three-year terms where total term served is still six years.
Thus this could enable him finish his six years tenure at BCCI secretary and also become ICC chairman in 2025 for three years while being in BCCI cooling off period. Then, he can return again as the board’s president by 2028.
