5 Indians To Hold ICC’s Top Post (X.com)
India, the country with the richest cricket board (BCCI) in the world, has had a significant influence on international cricket.
Several Indian administrators in the past have served as ICC (International Cricket Council) Chairmen, one of the most powerful positions to exist in world cricket.
Most recently, BCCI secretary Jay Shah was elected as ICC chairman, thus succeeding Greg Barclay. Jay Shah is only the fifth Indian to lead the international apex body.
Here’s a list of five Indian administrators who previously served ICC either as president or chairman.
Jagmohan Dalmiya (1997 – 2000) (X.com)
Jagmohan Dalmiya was one of the most influential figures in the history of cricket administration, not just in India but globally. He was the first Indian to become the President of the ICC, serving from 1997 to 2000. Under Dalmiya’s leadership, cricket expanded to non-traditional markets, including the successful hosting of the 1996 World Cup in the Indian subcontinent. Dalmiya’s vision transformed the ICC into a successful organisation and indirectly led Indian cricket to thrive.
Sharad Pawar (2010 – 2012) (X.com)
Sharad Pawar, one of the most respected and veteran politicians and former President of the BCCI served as the ICC Chairman from 2010 to 2012. During Pawar’s leadership, the ICC introduced the Decision Review System (DRS) on a trial basis, which later became a permanent and crucial feature in international cricket. Pawar also supervised the 2011 ICC World Cup, co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, which was a resounding success, especially for India, who ended up winning the title after 28 years of a long wait.
N. Srinivasan (2014 – 2015) (X.com)
N. Srinivasan, the kingpin of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK), served as the ICC Chairman from 2014 to 2015. Under Srinivasan’s tenure, India, Australia, and England transformed into the three wealthiest cricketing nations. However, the “Big Three” model was controversial and faced criticism. Moreover, Srinivasan’s alleged involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing scandal further tainted his image as a cricket administrator.
Shashank Manohar (2015 – 2020) (X.com)
Shashank Manohar served as ICC Chairman from 2015 to 2020. He opposed N. Srinivasan’s “Big Three” model and worked towards creating a more balanced revenue distribution among ICC member nations. Under Manohar’s leadership, the ICC implemented significant governance reforms, including the reduction of the power and influence of the “Big Three.” Manohar’s tenure was marked by his attempts to make cricket more inclusive and to give smaller nations a greater voice in the decision-making process.
Jay Shah (2024-Present) (X.com)
BCCI secretary Jay Shah is the latest Indian administrator to join the list. He has been elected as ICC chairman unopposed, as Shah was the only one to file a nomination. Shah will step down from his role as BCCI secretary to take over as ICC head.
In a statement, Jay Shah promised to globalise the footprints of cricket and focus on creating a coexistence of multiple formats. The focus under his tenure will be to make cricket more inclusive and popular across different parts of the world. Notably, Shah will succeed Greg Barclay an will formally take charge from December 1.
