New Delhi, October 22, 2024: BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is set to assume the role of ICC Chair on December 1, and recent recommendations from the ICC Board could see him serve two extended terms of three years each, rather than the current standard of three two-year terms, as per an ESPNcricinfo report. This shift is part of a broader push for improved governance and continuity within the organization.
The recommendation, which affects both the chair and the independent director positions, will be circulated for approval among the ICC’s Full and Associate Members. According to sources, the rationale behind this change is to provide greater stability and security, allowing the leadership to focus on long-term goals without the distraction of frequent elections.
Jay Shah was elected unopposed to take over from outgoing ICC Chair Greg Barclay. The proposed modification would mean that although the total possible duration of service remains at six years, the longer term would help maintain a consistent leadership trajectory.
Other Key Updates from the ICC Board:
- Women’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) 2025-2029: The board has approved the next women’s FTP, which is set to be announced soon. This marks the second-ever FTP for women’s cricket, following the inaugural one in 2022.
- Adjustments to Women’s Rankings Updates: To better reflect the growth of the women’s game, the annual update for rankings will move from October 1 to May 1. Additionally, teams must now play at least eight matches per format (ODIs and T20Is) instead of the previous six to be eligible.
- Pathway for Associate Teams to Gain ODI Status: For the 2025-2029 cycle, the top two Associate teams from the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup qualifier will earn ODI status, with three additional slots determined by T20I rankings as of May 1, 2025.
- Annual T20I Tournaments for Associate Teams: The ICC has sanctioned two annual T20I tournaments between 2025 and 2028, aimed at boosting competition levels ahead of the expanded 16-team Women’s T20 World Cup in 2030.
Changes to the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee: The board also appointed New Zealand businessman Scott Weenink as the Full Member representative, while Netherlands captain Scott Edwards, 28, was named the Associate Member representative.
These decisions underscore ICC’s commitment to fostering a more competitive and inclusive environment across all formats, with a keen focus on governance and strategic growth. Jay Shah’s appointment as ICC Chair is anticipated to bring a new leadership style aimed at continuity and development, especially with the potential shift to longer terms.
