NEW DELHI: The upcoming ICC Annual Conference in Colombo, starting on Friday, promises to be a pivotal event for the cricketing world. Attention will be focused on BCCI secretary Jay Shah, as discussions may intensify regarding his potential succession of New Zealander Greg Barclay as chairman of the global body.

A major topic expected to dominate the conference is the financial losses the ICC incurred from hosting T20 World Cup games in the United States.

Reports indicate that the losses exceed USD 20 million. Although the nine-point agenda of the AGM does not explicitly mention the financial details, they will be addressed as part of a “post-event report,” a standard operating procedure. The agenda also includes the appointment of ICC’s new external auditor, discussions on ICC memberships, reports from associate members’ meetings, and the presentation of ICC development awards.

An important issue that is not on the ICC Board’s official agenda but might be raised under “Any Other Business” is India’s decision not to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. According to an ICC source, a key point of interest is when Jay Shah will assume leadership of the global body. The source stated, “It is not about how but when, as he still has one year left as BCCI secretary before his cooling-off period in the Indian board begins in 2025, as per the constitution.”

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Potential changes to ICC Chairmanship terms to conform Jay Shah

However, if Jay Shah is to take over in 2025, Barclay will not be able to complete his third term from December 2024 to December 2026. Speculation suggests that the ICC might change the chairmanship term from three terms of two years each to two terms of three years, maintaining the cumulative six-year term. This change would allow Shah to complete his tenure as BCCI secretary and assume the ICC chairmanship in 2025 for three years during his cooling-off period from the BCCI. Subsequently, in 2028, he could return and take over as BCCI president.