Jay Shah's ICC Move Sparks BCCI Secretary Succession Speculation

Jay Shah’s ICC Move Sparks BCCI Secretary Succession Speculation

Jay Shah’s potential move to the International Cricket Council (ICC) as Chairman has sparked speculation about his successor as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary. With Shah’s term ending in October 2025, the BCCI faces the task of finding a suitable replacement.

Among the potential candidates is Rajiv Shukla, the current BCCI Vice-President. Shukla, a Congress MP in the Rajya Sabha, could be asked to take on the role for a year. Another contender is Ashish Shelar, the BCCI Treasurer and a prominent figure in Maharashtra BJP. However, Shelar’s political commitments may limit his availability.

Arun Dhumal, the IPL Chairman, possesses the necessary experience to lead the BCCI. He has previously served as Treasurer and now heads the lucrative Indian Premier League. A swap of roles between Dhumal and Shukla could be a viable option.

Devajit ‘Lon’ Saikia, the BCCI Joint Secretary, is another potential candidate. While not as well-known, he plays a crucial role in the current BCCI administration.

Younger administrators such as Rohan Jaitley, the DDCA President, and Avishek Dalmiya, the former CAB President, could also be considered. Other young state unit officials include Dilsher Khanna (Punjab), Vipul Phadke (Goa), and Prabhtej Bhatia (Chattisgarh).

The possibility of a completely new face taking over the top job cannot be ruled out. However, the BCCI’s power structure typically favors individuals who have been part of the system.

ICC Mulls USD 15 Million Fund to Boost Test Cricket

ICC Mulls USD 15 Million Fund to Boost Test Cricket

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering establishing a dedicated fund of at least USD 15 million to support Test cricket. This initiative aims to increase player match fees and address the migration of talent to lucrative T20 franchise leagues.

The proposal, put forward by Cricket Australia (CA), has garnered support from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who is poised to become the next ICC Chairman, and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The fund would enhance the minimum match payment for Test players and cover the expenses of overseas tours.

This initiative is particularly crucial for national boards like the West Indies, which face challenges in competing with the salaries offered by global T20 competitions. The fund would ensure a minimum Test payment of USD 10,000 for all players and cover the costs of overseas tours for struggling countries.

CA Chairman Mike Baird, who initially proposed the concept, expressed enthusiasm for the momentum behind the Test match fund. He emphasized the need to eliminate barriers and promote Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport, preserving its history and legacy alongside newer white-ball formats.

However, the fund is unlikely to benefit the three wealthiest cricket nations – India, Australia, and England – as they already provide substantial salaries to their players. The availability of funds for Test cricket from the ICC may also be influenced by an ongoing dispute with broadcaster Star, which seeks to renegotiate a 2022 broadcast deal and reduce its value by half.

The BCCI has implemented an incentive scheme for India’s men’s Test cricketers to prioritize the format and reward consistent performances. Players who participate in at least 75% of India’s Test matches in a season earn a bonus of Rs 45 lakh per match, in addition to the regular Test match fees of Rs 15 lakh.

The ICC’s proposed Test cricket fund is a significant step towards preserving the integrity and competitiveness of the longest format of the game. By addressing financial concerns and supporting struggling nations, the fund aims to ensure the continued growth and popularity of Test cricket worldwide.

Smriti Mandhana Jumps to Third in ICC ODI Rankings, Retains Fourth Spot in T20s

Smriti Mandhana Jumps to Third in ICC ODI Rankings, Retains Fourth Spot in T20s

India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has ascended one spot to third in the latest ICC ODI rankings for women, released on Tuesday. With 738 rating points, Mandhana is the top-ranked Indian batter in the 50-over format, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur maintains her ninth position.

Sri Lanka’s star batter Chamari Athapaththu has slipped behind Mandhana to fourth place, but her compatriots Nilakshika de Silva (up three places to 32nd), Harshitha Samarawickrama (up eight places to 44th), and Kavisha Dilhari (up four places to 50th) have all made significant gains in the ODI batting rankings.

Mandhana also retained her fourth spot in the T20 rankings, with Sri Lanka’s Samarawickrama and Ireland opener Gaby Lewis reaching career highs. Samarawickrama’s impressive knock of 65 off 44 balls in the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Ireland propelled her up three places to 13th position, while Lewis’s match-winning 119 off 75 balls has lifted her four places to a career-best-equalling 21st position, which she had previously attained in July 2022.

Mandhana’s consistent performances in both ODI and T20 cricket have solidified her status as one of the world’s leading batters. Her ability to score runs at a rapid pace and her versatility in playing different roles in the team make her a valuable asset for India.

The rise of Sri Lankan batters in the rankings is a testament to the team’s recent resurgence in women’s cricket. Athapaththu, Samarawickrama, and de Silva have all played key roles in Sri Lanka’s recent victories over Ireland and Pakistan.

The ICC rankings are a reflection of the current form and performances of players and teams. Mandhana’s rise in the rankings is a recognition of her exceptional batting skills and her contribution to India’s success in women’s cricket.

ICC Chairman Greg Barclay Opts Out of Third Term, Jay Shah's Future Uncertain

ICC Chairman Greg Barclay Opts Out of Third Term, Jay Shah’s Future Uncertain

Greg Barclay, the current chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has announced that he will not seek a third term after his tenure ends on November 30. This has sparked speculation about the future of BCCI secretary Jay Shah at the ICC.

Shah, who is considered one of the most influential figures in the ICC boardroom, is currently the head of the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) sub-committee. He enjoys a lot of goodwill with most of the 16 voting members.

As per ICC rules, the chairman’s election comprises of 16 votes, with a simple majority of nine votes (51%) required for the winner. Earlier, a two-third majority was required.

Current directors are required to put forward nominations for the next Chair by August 27, 2024. If there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new Chair commencing on December 1, 2024.

Shah has one year left as the BCCI secretary before going on a mandatory cooling-off period of three years from October 2025. If he decides to move to the ICC with a year of his secretaryship still left, he will have four years left in the BCCI.

At 35, Shah could become the youngest chairman in the history of the ICC. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar are the Indians who have headed the ICC in the past.

Women's T20 World Cup Faces Relocation from Bangladesh Amid Political Unrest

Women’s T20 World Cup Faces Relocation from Bangladesh Amid Political Unrest

ICC Considers Relocating Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh Amid Political Unrest

Amidst escalating political tensions in Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is contemplating moving the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup out of the country. According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC held a virtual board meeting on Tuesday and identified the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a potential alternative venue.

The tournament, originally scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20, has been thrown into uncertainty due to the ongoing political crisis. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reportedly agreed to the shift but will remain the official host of the event.

The decision to relocate the tournament is primarily driven by concerns over the safety and security of players, officials, and spectators. Bangladesh has been experiencing widespread protests and political unrest in recent weeks, raising concerns about the ability to host a major international sporting event.

The ICC is expected to make a final decision on the venue change in the coming days. If the tournament is indeed moved to the UAE, it would mark the second time in a row that the Women’s T20 World Cup has been held in the country. The 2020 edition was also hosted in the UAE due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The potential relocation of the tournament has drawn mixed reactions. Some have expressed disappointment that Bangladesh will not be able to host the event, while others have welcomed the decision to prioritize safety and security.

The ICC is committed to ensuring the well-being of all participants and will continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh closely. The organization will provide further updates as they become available.

Healy Questions Bangladesh as T20 World Cup Host Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

Healy Questions Bangladesh as T20 World Cup Host Amidst Humanitarian Crisis

Australia’s T20 World Cup captain, Alyssa Healy, has expressed concerns about hosting the tournament in Bangladesh due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country. Healy believes it would be inappropriate to divert resources from relief efforts to a sporting event.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to announce the tournament’s host this week, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) considered the frontrunner. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe are also potential options.

Healy’s comments reflect the concerns of several governments, including Australia, the UK, and India, which have issued travel warnings for Bangladesh. The country has been grappling with the aftermath of recent violence that has resulted in hundreds of deaths and the ousting of the government.

“I find it really hard to see a cricket event going on over there at the moment and taking resources away from a country that is really struggling,” Healy said. “They’re needing everyone they can possibly get in there helping people that are dying.”

Healy emphasized that her concerns are based on humanitarian grounds rather than safety issues. Australia toured Bangladesh earlier this year and played six matches without incident. However, she believes that hosting a major sporting event at this time would be insensitive.

“I’d find it hard to fathom playing there at the moment, as a human being, I feel like it might be the wrong thing to do,” Healy said. “But I’ll leave it to the ICC to work out.”

Allrounder Sophie Molineux confirmed that players have been kept informed about the situation and trust the ICC to make the right decision.

Australia will name their World Cup squad next Monday, and Healy is confident they will be able to adapt to any host country. They gained valuable experience during their tour of Bangladesh earlier this year.

“I feel like we’re so well balanced in the…players that we get to choose from, wherever the World Cup gets put, I think we’re going to have the right squad to take it on,” Healy said.

The World Cup squad will also play three T20Is against New Zealand in September as preparation for the tournament.

UAE Frontrunner to Host 2024 Women's T20 World Cup

UAE Frontrunner to Host 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to announce the host nation for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerging as the frontrunner. The BCCI’s refusal to host the event has opened the door for alternative venues, with Bangladesh and Zimbabwe also expressing interest.

The UAE boasts three world-class cricket stadiums in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, making it an ideal location for the tournament. The ICC is expected to make a final decision this week, as time is running out to finalize arrangements.

Meanwhile, Thailand has withdrawn as co-host of the 2025 Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup, leaving Malaysia as the sole host. The tournament will feature 16 teams, including debutants Samoa, and will be played at four venues. Defending champions India are grouped with West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia in the tournament, which begins on January 18, 2025.

The ICC’s decision to move the Women’s T20 World Cup out of India has sparked controversy. BCCI secretary Jay Shah cited monsoon conditions and the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup in 2023 as reasons for declining the offer. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains keen on hosting the tournament despite ongoing political turmoil in the country.

The ICC’s decision will have a significant impact on the development of women’s cricket. The Women’s T20 World Cup is a prestigious event that showcases the best female cricketers in the world. Hosting the tournament in a country with a strong cricketing infrastructure and a passionate fan base will help to raise the profile of women’s cricket and inspire future generations of players.

ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025: India, West Indies, Sri Lanka in Group A

ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025: India, West Indies, Sri Lanka in Group A

The ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 is set to ignite the global cricket stage from January 18 to February 2 in Malaysia. Defending champions India will embark on their title defense alongside West Indies, Sri Lanka, and hosts Malaysia in Group A.

The tournament will feature 16 teams, including first-time participants Samoa, who will compete in Group C alongside New Zealand, South Africa, and an Africa qualifier. Group B boasts England, Pakistan, Ireland, and USA, while Group D comprises Australia, Bangladesh, Scotland, and an Asia qualifier.

The event will showcase the future stars of women’s cricket across four venues in Malaysia. Bayuemas Oval in Selangor will host the Group A games and the final, while the Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval) in Johor will host Group B. Sarawak’s Borneo Cricket Ground will be the venue for Group C fixtures, and the UKM YSD Oval in Selangor will host Group D matches.

The tournament will kick off with a triple-header on January 18, featuring Australia vs. Scotland, England vs. Ireland, and Samoa vs. the Africa qualifier. India will begin their campaign on January 19 against West Indies.

ICC CEO Geoff Allardice emphasized the significance of the event in promoting women’s cricket globally. “This is a special event to the ICC and forms an important part of our Global Growth Strategy of raising the profile of women’s cricket and further growing the game around the world,” he said.

Host tournament director Dinesh Muthuraman expressed Malaysia’s pride in hosting the event. “Malaysia is proud to host the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025, continuing our tradition of supporting the growth of cricket on the global stage,” he said.

The tournament was originally scheduled to be co-hosted by Thailand, but their withdrawal resulted in Malaysia hosting all games. Malaysia previously hosted the Men’s Under-19 World Cup in 2008, which featured future stars like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson.

ICC Open to Cricket's Inclusion in 2030 Youth Olympic Games

ICC Open to Cricket’s Inclusion in 2030 Youth Olympic Games

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to include cricket in the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2030. This move aligns with the Indian government’s bid to host the 2030 YOG in Mumbai.

In an email exchange, Vivek Gopalan, a sports enthusiast, proposed the idea to William Glenwright, ICC’s General Manager of Development. Glenwright responded positively, acknowledging the potential of cricket’s inclusion in the YOG. The correspondence included key ICC stakeholders, ensuring their awareness of the initiative.

Gopalan emphasized the strong case for cricket’s inclusion, citing the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public declaration of India’s desire to host both the 2030 YOG and 2036 Olympics. Modi had previously mentioned the YOG during his speech at the IOC session in Mumbai in 2023.

The email highlighted the potential impact of cricket’s inclusion on grassroots development, particularly among ICC Associate countries. The YOG, which caters to athletes aged 15 to 18, could provide a global platform for young cricketers to showcase their skills.

The email also noted the IOC’s recognition of cricket’s brand value and its potential to enhance the Olympic brand. This recognition could facilitate the inclusion of cricket as a core sport in the YOG.

Cricket’s return to the Olympic Games is already confirmed for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking its first appearance since 1900. The ICC’s willingness to work with the IOC on the YOG further underscores the growing recognition of cricket’s global appeal and its potential to inspire young athletes.

Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Faces Uncertain Future Amid Bangladesh Unrest

Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Faces Uncertain Future Amid Bangladesh Unrest

The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Bangladesh, is facing an uncertain future due to political unrest and security concerns. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively exploring alternative venues, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerging as a potential replacement.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains determined to retain hosting rights, but the ICC is facing time constraints with the tournament set to commence on September 27th. The BCB’s request for a five-day extension to present a revised hosting plan has been denied, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has declined to step in as host due to monsoon season and a packed cricketing calendar.

The UAE, with its favorable time zone, predictable weather conditions, and established cricketing infrastructure, has emerged as a frontrunner. The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly enthusiastic about hosting the tournament, further bolstering the UAE’s candidacy.

Despite the mounting pressure, the BCB remains optimistic, highlighting ongoing discussions with Bangladesh’s Army Chief regarding security assurances for the tournament. However, the recent exodus of key BCB officials, including President Nazmul Hassan, due to political unrest casts a shadow over their efforts.

Other nations, including Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, have also expressed interest in hosting the tournament, presenting the ICC with additional options to consider. The ICC is expected to reach a decision by August 20th, coinciding with a pre-scheduled board meeting primarily focused on finalizing the terms of reference for an inquiry into the recent Men’s T20 World Cup.

With just over 50 days remaining before the tournament’s start, the ICC faces a critical decision that will significantly impact the participating teams, fans, and the future of women’s cricket.

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