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BCCI secretary Jay Shah is reportedly the frontrunner to become the next chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). With the current chairman, Greg Barclay, announcing his decision not to seek re-election, Shah's path to the position seems clear.
Jay Shah Emerges as Leading Candidate for ICC Chairman
The new ICC chairman will assume office on December 1st, and the deadline for nominations is August 27th. If elected, Shah, at 36 years old, would become the youngest-ever ICC chief. His election would also add to the list of prominent Indians who have held the prestigious position, including Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N. Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.
Sunil Gavaskar Criticizes Accusations Against Jay Shah
Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the "old powers" for accusing Jay Shah of forcing Greg Barclay out of his position.
"In all probability, Jay Shah will be the next ICC president. Just as he has done for Indian cricket, both men and women, players worldwide will benefit. When Greg Barclay announced his decision not to go for a third term, which he was entitled to, there were reports in the media of the Old Powers that Barclay's decision had been forced by Shah," Gavaskar wrote in his column in Sportstar.
"Only when the perennial cribbers were questioned about what the representatives of their Old Powers were doing did it suddenly occur to them that if indeed Barclay was forced to not seek a third term, then what were their own representatives at the ICC doing at the meeting? Where were their voices of objection? And if there were none, then they were as culpable as the one they were unnecessarily pointing a finger at. It's called the Tall poppy syndrome as well as the realisation that they don't run the international game anymore."
Gavaskar further praised the BCCI for their significant contributions to the growth of cricket in India.
"The way Indian cricket has shaped up over the years is also a tribute to the BCCI and its administration. The kind of cricket that the teams, both men and women, have been playing is another huge reason why the sport is flourishing in India. If the team was not winning, the sponsors would stay away. Terrific teamwork from both the players and the administrators explains why Indian cricket is in such a healthy state. May it always remain so," he wrote.
Greg Barclay has announced his resignation effective November 30. This has sparked speculation that Jay Shah, the BCCI secretary, could be a potential successor. Shah reportedly has the support of 15 out of 16 ICC Board members. However, he faces a tight deadline, as he has less than a day to decide whether to pursue the role given that his second term as BCCI secretary doesn't end for another year.
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