Jay Shah, the current secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is emerging as the leading candidate to become the next chief of the International Cricket Council (ICC). His current term as BCCI secretary is set to end in September 2025, but Shah will need to resign from this position before taking on the role of ICC chief.
Shah, who also serves as the BCCI-appointed ICC director, has played a significant role in the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs sub-committee, one of the most influential bodies within the organization. His close ties to Indian cricket, being the son of Home Minister Amit Shah, and the BCCI’s influence in the ICC boardroom have positioned him as a strong contender for the top job.
The process for selecting the next ICC chief has already begun, with the 16 current ICC directors required to file nominations for the successor to the outgoing chief, Greg Barclay, by August 27. If there are multiple nominations, an election will be held in November, with the new Chair taking office on December 1.
If Shah is elected, he will become the youngest ever ICC chief, joining the ranks of prominent Indians who have previously chaired the ICC, including Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N. Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.
This potential leadership change could further consolidate the BCCI’s influence within international cricket, given Shah’s prominent roles both in the BCCI and the ICC.