Jay Shah’s First ICC Meeting as Chairman: PCB Absence Stirs Discussion
Jay Shah, the new ICC Chairman, attended his first ICC Board meeting on Thursday at the Dubai HQ. This marked a pivotal moment for global cricket governance. However, the absence of the PCB from this key meeting added intrigue to an already important event.
Focus on the Champions Trophy and Hybrid Model
A main agenda item was the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. It will use a Hybrid Model. Talks on operations and scheduling with Star Sports were postponed to Saturday. ICC sources say most Board members want to reject PCB’s demands for a new hosting plan.
BCCI Representation Takes Center Stage
In a notable development, BCCI joint secretary Devajit Lon Saikia represented India at the ICC Board meeting. Shah used this meeting to gain support for the Hybrid Model among ICC member nations. Key representatives from cricket boards worldwide attended the meeting. They included: Faruque Ahmed (Bangladesh), Roger Twose (New Zealand), Tavengwa Mukuhlani (Zimbabwe), and Dr. Mohammed Abdul Moosajee (South Africa).
Officials from England and Wales Cricket, Cricket Australia, and Cricket West Indies joined remotely. The PCB’s absence stood out. Sources say few support the PCB’s requests about ICC events in India under the Hybrid Model.
Broadcaster Influence on Tournament Logistics
Broadcasters, especially Star Sports, prefer India-Pakistan matches. They are highly profitable. A Champions Trophy without India is a “non-starter.” An Indo-Pak group stage match is non-negotiable. This reality limits the PCB’s leverage, though more pay may be offered.
The ICC meeting showed a growing consensus against PCB’s demands. It also stressed the economic and logistical priorities of key stakeholders. Jay Shah’s leadership seems to have set the tone for future ICC decisions. It favors collaboration among like-minded cricket boards.
