Cricket

Jay Shah, the 35-year-old secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is set to become the youngest chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) when he takes over on December 1, 2024. Shah's election was met with unanimous support from 15 out of 16 ICC Board members.Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave attributed Shah's election to his impressive leadership at the BCCI. Grave highlighted Shah's successful hosting of the Women's Premier League, the 50-over World Cup in India, and the signing of lucrative broadcast deals.Former Australia head coach John Buchanan urged the ICC under Shah's leadership to make long-term decisions for cricket's future. Buchanan expressed concerns about the proliferation of T20 leagues and emphasized the importance of Test cricket as the foundation of the game.Buchanan believes the ICC needs to carefully consider the number of leagues it approves to avoid overwhelming players and ensure the relevance of the ODI format as a transition between Tests and T20s. He also acknowledged the financial incentives for players to participate in T20 leagues but stressed the need for a balance to maintain the integrity of the sport.Buchanan anticipates a transition phase for the Australian Test side after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy later this year, as many players are over 30 years old. He expects changes in the team's composition to accommodate younger talent.

Jay Shah, the current secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been unanimously elected as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He will assume the role on December 1, 2023, becoming the youngest person to hold the position at the age of 35.Shah's election comes after Greg Barclay, who had served as ICC chairman for two terms since 2020, announced his decision not to seek a third term. The ICC board of directors had until August 27 to file nominations for the next chairman, and Shah was the only candidate nominated.In a statement, Shah expressed his gratitude for the nomination and outlined his vision for the ICC. He emphasized the importance of globalizing cricket, promoting technological advancements, and introducing marquee events to new markets. Shah also highlighted the significance of the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a catalyst for growth.Shah's appointment marks the fifth time an Indian has led the ICC, following Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar. He has been involved in cricket administration since 2009, starting in the state of Gujarat. In 2019, he became the BCCI secretary and was re-elected in 2022.Upon assuming the ICC chairmanship, Shah will relinquish his positions at the BCCI and the ICC's Finance & Commercial Affairs (F&CA) committee. He previously served as the Asian Cricket Council president from 2021 to 2024.Shah's election is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the ICC. His experience in cricket administration and his commitment to innovation are seen as key factors in his ability to lead the sport into a new era.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken a groundbreaking step to enhance the competitiveness and recognition of domestic cricket in the country. In a significant move, the BCCI has announced the introduction of prize money for exceptional performers in all domestic cricket tournaments, including the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for senior men's cricket.This initiative marks a major shift in the BCCI's approach to domestic cricket, which has traditionally been overshadowed by the glamour and financial rewards of international cricket. By offering prize money, the BCCI aims to make domestic cricket more lucrative and encourage young players to strive for excellence.The BCCI will now award prize money in all Women's and Junior Cricket tournaments, including the Under-16 (Vijay Merchant Trophy), Under-19 (Cooch Behar Trophy), and Under-23 (CK Nayudu Trophy) tournaments for men, and the Under-15, Under-19, and Under-23 events for women.In addition to the prize money, the BCCI has also decided to eliminate the toss in the CK Nayudu Trophy for the 2024-25 season. This move is intended to reduce the impact of luck on the outcome of matches and give visiting teams a fairer chance of competing.The BCCI's decision to introduce prize money and eliminate the toss in domestic cricket is a testament to its commitment to developing and nurturing the next generation of Indian cricketers. By providing financial incentives and creating a more competitive environment, the BCCI hopes to inspire young players to reach their full potential and contribute to the success of Indian cricket on the international stage.

Jay Shah, the current secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is poised to become the next chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to multiple reports, Shah has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Greg Barclay in the top post.To secure his nomination, the ICC requires a proposer and a seconder. England and Australia are reportedly backing Shah's candidature, further strengthening his bid for the position.If Shah is elected, he will become the youngest-ever ICC chief at the age of 36. His election would also make him the latest in a line of prominent Indians who have held the prestigious position, including Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N. Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.Currently, Shah serves as the BCCI-appointed ICC director and chairs the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs sub-committee, one of the most influential bodies within the ICC. His leadership in these roles, coupled with the strong backing from international cricket boards, places him in a favorable position to guide the ICC in the coming years.Meanwhile, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president, Rohan Jaitely, is reportedly the frontrunner to become the next BCCI secretary if Shah becomes ICC chairman. According to sources quoted by Dainik Bhaskar, Jaitely is leading the race among other candidates.The ICC has set a deadline of August 27 for current directors to submit their nominations for the chairmanship. Greg Barclay, who is eligible for a third term, has announced his decision not to seek re-election, paving the way for Shah's potential ascension.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering establishing a dedicated fund to bolster Test cricket and level the playing field for boards outside the "Big Three" (India, Australia, and England). This initiative aims to provide a minimum standard match fee of approximately US $10,000 for players across all Test-playing nations.The fund, driven by Cricket Australia chair Mark Baird and supported by the BCCI and ECB, is intended to make Test cricket more appealing to players who may otherwise opt for more lucrative franchise leagues. It would also reduce the financial burden on less-wealthy boards, which often incur losses when hosting Test matches.The fund is expected to be in the region of US $15 million and has the backing of BCCI secretary Jay Shah and ECB chair Richard Thompson. It is currently in its formative stages and has not yet been formally discussed by the ICC board or executive committee.Baird expressed optimism about the fund's potential, stating, "We need to take away the barriers and encourage Test cricket to be the best of the best. To retain that history and that legacy, which goes alongside the newer forms of white-ball cricket."The ECB has already implemented a similar concept, agreeing to pay Zimbabwe a "touring fee" for their upcoming Test match at Trent Bridge. This move reflects the growing recognition that boards need to find ways to make Test cricket financially viable for all nations.The ICC's proposed fund would be a significant step towards ensuring that Test cricket remains a vibrant and competitive format. It would provide a financial incentive for players to prioritize Test cricket and help to level the playing field for boards outside the "Big Three."

Jay Shah's potential move to the International Cricket Council (ICC) as Chairman has sparked speculation about his successor as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary. With Shah's term ending in October 2025, the BCCI faces the task of finding a suitable replacement.Among the potential candidates is Rajiv Shukla, the current BCCI Vice-President. Shukla, a Congress MP in the Rajya Sabha, could be asked to take on the role for a year. Another contender is Ashish Shelar, the BCCI Treasurer and a prominent figure in Maharashtra BJP. However, Shelar's political commitments may limit his availability.Arun Dhumal, the IPL Chairman, possesses the necessary experience to lead the BCCI. He has previously served as Treasurer and now heads the lucrative Indian Premier League. A swap of roles between Dhumal and Shukla could be a viable option.Devajit 'Lon' Saikia, the BCCI Joint Secretary, is another potential candidate. While not as well-known, he plays a crucial role in the current BCCI administration.Younger administrators such as Rohan Jaitley, the DDCA President, and Avishek Dalmiya, the former CAB President, could also be considered. Other young state unit officials include Dilsher Khanna (Punjab), Vipul Phadke (Goa), and Prabhtej Bhatia (Chattisgarh).The possibility of a completely new face taking over the top job cannot be ruled out. However, the BCCI's power structure typically favors individuals who have been part of the system.

Mayank Yadav, the 22-year-old fast bowler for Lucknow Super Giants, emerged as a standout performer in IPL 2024. His blistering pace, consistently exceeding 150 kmph, and impressive wicket-taking ability (seven wickets in four games) caught the attention of fans and selectors alike. However, an unfortunate injury abruptly halted his season, casting uncertainty over his return to competitive cricket.BCCI secretary Jay Shah expressed doubts about Yadav's availability for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Test series scheduled for December. While recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), former India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey advocates for a gradual reintroduction to action, particularly focusing on first-class cricket.Yadav's injury has sparked discussions about his immediate future and the appropriate path for his recovery. Mhambrey believes that keeping Yadav sidelined out of caution may not be the best approach for the young pacer. He argues that bowlers need to bowl to develop control and understand their physical limits.Mhambrey emphasizes the importance of playing red-ball cricket for Yadav's development and injury management. He believes that first-class cricket provides the necessary experience and helps bowlers understand their individual physical limits.The former bowling coach also highlights the significance of understanding Yadav's background and training regimen to better manage his fitness and workload. He notes that Yadav is still in the developmental phase of his career, and proactive management of his workload and fitness is crucial.As the BCCI deliberates on the best course of action for Yadav, the young pacer's return to full fitness remains eagerly anticipated by fans and selectors alike. His impressive performances in the IPL have shown glimpses of his potential, and managing his recovery effectively could be key to his future success in Indian cricket.

The World Cricketers' Association (WCA) is taking steps to address the increasingly fragmented and congested cricket calendar. However, the WCA lacks influence over India, which has a players' association solely to comply with the Supreme Court's directive. The Indian Cricketers' Association (ICA) is not a member of the WCA.Currently, the future of cricket lies in the hands of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI's financial dominance and influence over Associate Members have given it significant power. India generates the most revenue and dictates the terms of the game.The WCA's review group includes Sanjog Gupta, a representative from Disney Star, the channel that has transformed cricket's landscape. India's dominance stems from its large audience, lucrative television market, and talented players.The WCA's survey reveals that 84% of players support specific windows for domestic franchise leagues and international cricket to coexist. This idea was initially proposed by India but was rejected. The WCA is exploring areas for change, including scheduling, economic disparity, and player employment.However, the BCCI has historically viewed players' associations as trade unions that need to be controlled. Indian players lack an organized platform to voice their concerns, leaving it to a few top players who prioritize their individual interests. Former players also hesitate to criticize the BCCI for fear of losing post-retirement opportunities.The WCA's success depends on the ego-boosting and esteem-pandering of one individual. While this approach has worked in other fields, it remains to be seen if it will be effective in cricket.

Greg Barclay, the current chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has announced that he will not seek a third term after his tenure ends on November 30. This has sparked speculation about the future of BCCI secretary Jay Shah at the ICC.Shah, who is considered one of the most influential figures in the ICC boardroom, is currently the head of the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee. He enjoys a lot of goodwill with most of the 16 voting members.As per ICC rules, the chairman's election comprises of 16 votes, with a simple majority of nine votes (51%) required for the winner. Earlier, a two-third majority was required.Current directors are required to put forward nominations for the next Chair by August 27, 2024. If there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new Chair commencing on December 1, 2024.Shah has one year left as the BCCI secretary before going on a mandatory cooling-off period of three years from October 2025. If he decides to move to the ICC with a year of his secretaryship still left, he will have four years left in the BCCI.At 35, Shah could become the youngest chairman in the history of the ICC. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar are the Indians who have headed the ICC in the past.