With Greg Barclay not opting for a third term as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the global governing body has started the hunt for his successor. Should there be more than one candidate, election will be held later this year. It’s being widely reported in the media that BCCI secretary Jay Shah could file his nomination for the post and should he do so, it’s likely he will become the next ICC head given the support he has from within the board. The last day for filing of nomination is August 27.
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar feels that Shah’s appointment will have wider ramifications for the growth of global cricket given his track record as BCCI administrator.
“In all probability, Jay Shah will be the next ICC president. Just as he has done for Indian cricket, both men and women, players worldwide will benefit,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for the Sportstar.
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Without naming anyone specifically, Gavaskar though launched a scathing attack on the ‘Old Powers’ of international cricket for suggesting that it was Shah who might have forced Barclay not not seek a third term which he was entitled to.
Gavaskar questioned why didn’t those who thought Barclay is being forced out take any decision when they came to his conclusion.
“When Greg Barclay announced his decision not to go for a third term, which he was entitled to, there were reports in the media of the Old Powers that Barclay’s decision had been forced by Shah,” Gavaskar wrote.
“Only when the perennial cribbers were questioned about what the representatives of their Old Powers were doing did it suddenly occur to them that if indeed Barclay was forced to not seek a third term, then what were their own representatives at the ICC doing at the meeting?” he added.
Gavaskar claimed Shah is being criticised because the old powers have now realised that they aren’t the ones calling the shots anymore.
“Where were their voices of objection? And if there were none, then they were as culpable as the one they were unnecessarily pointing a finger at. It’s called the Tall poppy syndrome as well as the realisation that they don’t run the international game anymore,” Gavaskar wrote.
Gavaskar, widely considered as one of the greatest batters to have played the game, said the reason behind the immense growth of cricket in India is due to the players and also because of the work done behind the scenes by the BCCI officials.
“The way Indian cricket has shaped up over the years is also a tribute to the BCCI and its administration,” he said. “The kind of cricket that the teams, both men and women, have been playing is another huge reason why the sport is flourishing in India.”
“If the team was not winning, the sponsors would stay away. Terrific teamwork from both the players and the administrators explains why Indian cricket is in such a healthy state. May it always remain so,” he added.
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