Jay Shah, 35, is a year younger than Indian captain Rohit Sharma. We know very little about his cricketing skills or prowess. We know a little about cricket knowledge, though. In a recent interview, he said, “In Australia and England, every international player doesn’t play domestic cricket.”
If he doesn’t react in Australia and England, it’s because Shah is getting ready to become the Independent Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and it won’t bother the most powerful man in the game. Actually, he is already the most powerful, as the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and the son of the Home Minister of India. As a caretaker, in a sense, of the treasure chest of the game, which can be the most powerful ever – not WG Grace, Don Bradman or Sachin Tendulkar can match the combination of politics, children and financial heft.
Shah will be anointed on December 1 before he has to step down as BCCI secretary. Rohan Jaitley, another from the BJP stable of sports administrators and son of a former minister is likely to succeed him.
Of course it is an honor for India etc., as anyone, especially a player who wants to stay on the right side of the authorities, will tell you. Inevitably even, you might say. I mean, look at the Nadellas and Pichais and Ajay Bangas. Cricket is also a billion dollar business, and how appropriate that it should now be officially opened by the ICC in India instead of India in the ICC.
Shah’s comments came months after it was announced that top Indian players would be available for the domestic tournament. Later he changed his mind, saying, “We should not force players like Rohit and Virat who are playing in the Duleep Trophy. They will have injuries…We should respect the players.
One-man rule
The suggestion that those who play the Duleep Cup from this week are not treated with respect may be misinterpreted. But does the one-man decision-making authority in the BCCI (despite the various committees) see itself as the one-man decision-making authority in the ICC? Will the chairman’s voice tolerate other voices? Will they see the ICC as an extension not only of the BCCI but of the Indian government, like the BCCI is now?
Cricket has a lot on its plate. With domestic T20 and T10 franchises becoming stronger, private ownership could determine the future direction. In 2028, cricket is re-entering the Olympics. Disney Star, which holds the rights to the ICC’s global events, is apparently looking to cut the $3 billion deal.
Then there is the question of Pakistan. There are no signs of a thaw in relations to suggest a bilateral series with India. The ICC’s interests, at least theoretically, are governed by cricket and not politics. What is good for India may not be good for world cricket, and vice versa. Other Indian leaders have used the power of Indian cricket to quell the occasional controversy. N. Srinivasan is a good example. Money speaks cricket with an Indian accent.
The argument that England and Australia were bullied during the run of world cricket and now it’s India’s turn to just admit that whoever is in charge can ride on someone else. However, optimists will be hoping for a decision based on more discussion, and more attention paid to smaller nations, even as international cricket looks to move towards a two-tier system with six teams at each tier. But that’s a discussion for another day.
Meanwhile, there is the Duleep Cup this week. Teams known as Team A, Team B and so on seem ridiculous, and show the imagination of the cricket board. Let’s hope the new ICC doesn’t change team names in international cricket in the same way. How Virat Kohli scored a Test century for Team A lacked enthusiasm.
Jay Shah is unlikely to do so. However, at 35, he can use his limited background in cricket to his advantage. Disruptors can sometimes have positive effects. But the key word in the job title – independent chairman – is the first.
