Jay Shah likely to replace Greg Barclay as ICC chairman: Report

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah is expected to be named the new International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, sources told NDTV.

Shah reportedly has the backing of both the England and Australia cricket boards, giving him the numbers needed to secure the position.

If confirmed, 35-year-old Shah would be the youngest to hold the post and the fifth Indian to lead the ICC, following Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.

Barclay not to seek third term

Current ICC chairman Greg Barclay announced on Tuesday that he will not seek a third term, ending his tenure on November 30. Although eligible for three two-year terms, Barclay opted out after learning of Shah's intention to replace him, as per the NDTV report.

Jay Shah is already a prominent figure in cricket administration and chairs the ICC’s finance and commercial affairs sub-committee. He is said to have strong ties with the 16 voting members.

To win the election, Shah would need a simple majority of 51% (9 votes or more), a departure from earlier rules requiring a two-thirds majority.

Under the BCCI constitution, approved by the Supreme Court, office bearers can serve for up to six years before a mandatory three-year cooling-off period.

Shah, with only one year left as BCCI secretary, could extend his tenure by taking up the ICC chairman role, allowing him four more years in office.

                                  (By arrangement with livemint.com)