Jay Shah, the current BCCI secretary, is facing a crucial decision as he has strong support to become the next ICC Chairman. With 15 out of 16 ICC Board members reportedly backing him, Shah has until August 27 to decide if he will take on the role. However, this potential move raises questions about who will replace him as BCCI secretary if he chooses to join the ICC.
Several potential candidates could step into Shah’s role, with Rajiv Shukla, Ashish Shelar, Arun Dhumal, and Devajit ‘Lon’ Saikia being considered. Shukla, the current BCCI vice-president, could be asked to take over as secretary, though his political commitments might complicate matters. Shelar, a prominent BJP leader, could also be a contender, but his political career may limit his availability. Dhumal, the current IPL Chairman, has experience within the BCCI and could be a strong candidate, possibly swapping roles with Shukla.
Other names being discussed include younger administrators like Rohan Jaitley, the DDCA president, and Avishek Dalmiya, the former CAB president. Additionally, officials like Punjab’s Dilsher Khanna, Goa’s Vipul Phadke, and Chhattisgarh’s Prabhtej Bhatia are also potential contenders.
The BCCI power structure, which emphasizes the importance of the president, secretary, and treasurer roles, suggests that a familiar face within the system is likely to be chosen. However, if Shah decides to remain with the BCCI for now, his eventual move to the ICC could still happen in the future.
The situation remains fluid, and much depends on Shah’s decision in the coming days. If he does decide to take on the ICC role, the BCCI will need to quickly find a replacement who can maintain the board’s stability and influence in global cricket.
