The ICC is grappling with significant financial losses from hosting the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA, estimated at approximately USD 20 million. This issue will be a focal point at the ICC Annual Conference, commencing on Friday in Colombo. Although not on the official nine-point agenda of the AGM, the losses will be scrutinized in a “post-event report.”
A substantial portion of the tournament, including the marquee India-Pakistan match in New York, took place in the USA, highlighting the challenges of hosting major events in new locations. The financial ramifications of this venture are critical for the ICC, which will need to dissect the causes of these losses and their impact on future hosting decisions.
Another significant topic at the AGM is the potential leadership transition within the ICC. There is considerable interest in the timeline for BCCI secretary Jay Shah replacing Greg Barclay as ICC chairman. Shah, with one year left as BCCI secretary before his cooling-off period begins in 2025, could assume the ICC chairmanship in 2025. This move would prevent Barclay from completing his third term from December 2024 to December 2026.
To facilitate this transition, there is a proposal to alter the ICC chairman’s term structure from three terms of two years each to two terms of three years each. This change aims to maintain the cumulative six-year term while providing stability in leadership.
If approved, Barclay’s current term could extend to three years, allowing Shah to step in as ICC chairman during his BCCI cooling-off period. Shah could then potentially return to become BCCI president in 2028. His anticipated leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and potential changes in ICC policies and strategies.
“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 starts in 2025 as per the constitution. However, if he has to take over in 2025, then Barclay can’t complete his third term of two years from December 2024 to December 2026,” the ICC source told Press Trust of India (PTI).
“There is a school of thought that what if ICC’s chairmanship term changes from three terms of two years each to two terms of three years, so the cumulative term can remain six years.”
The AGM will be closely monitored for decisions affecting global cricket governance, financial strategies, and the future leadership structure of the ICC. The outcomes will shape the ICC’s strategic direction and governance in the years to come, making this conference pivotal for the organization.
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