Jay Shah’s success in pulling off lucrative broadcast deals and organizing major events was the prime reason for the BCCI secretary getting unanimous support in his bid to become the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) new Independent Chair.
“The ICC board doesn’t want to waste too much time on internal politics. If you look at Jay’s leadership at the BCCI, it has been wonderful. He has hosted the Women’s Premier League, successfully oversaw the 50-over World Cup in India and has signed huge broadcast deals with IPL and for BCCI,” Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave told The Indian Express.
That would explain Shah being elected unopposed on Tuesday, with 15 of the 16 directors backing his candidature in the nomination stage.
It is the sort of backing not even Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan or Shashank Manohar enjoyed at the ICC.
The foremost reason seems to be the uncertainty around the broadcast deal with Disney Star that has cast a shadow over plans for a dedicated fund for Test cricket.
Shah, the England Cricket Board and Cricket Australia have been behind the initiative that could guarantee Test cricketers from other countries a match fee of $10,000.
Although the economics of it are being worked out, unless ICC sorts out the issues with broadcast partner Disney Star, the plan could be a non-starter.
“We are talking about the Indian sub-continent rights holder, who contributes the major chunk of the revenue. We have seen Jay pull off lucrative deals for IPL and bilateral cricket. It is the need of the hour at the ICC as well,” a board member privy to developments pointed out.
Disney Star is currently in talks with the ICC to reduce its $3billion commitment made for four years that ends in 2027. Any such revision could have an immediate effect on the prospective Test match fund that could be worth around Rs. 125 crore.
According to this plan, this amount will cover the match fees, touring costs and operational costs for boards outside the Big 3.
“I don’t see the Test match fund coming until the next Future Tours Programme that starts in 2027,” Grave said. “Unless a new economic model is worked out, it would be challenging to bring it now. A lot is riding on the broadcast deal.”
For the plan to get the green light before 2027, there are talks of converting the Champions Trophy which is currently played in the ODI format into a T20 tournament.
Shah’s role in this could well be crucial as he has repeatedly stressed on finding a balance between T20s and keeping Test cricket healthy.
“From whatever I read of Jay after taking charge, he seems to acknowledge the issues. It is a good sign because I can see a strategic approach from the ICC, especially with the Olympics coming up. The game has strived for unity and you need everyone aligned on complex issues,” Grave said.
“Outside of England and Australia, broadcasters value only the shorter forms. A dedicated Test match fund would send a message that the format remains the pinnacle even among players. There is a lot of migration happening towards T20s. I certainly believe the Test cricket fund will help other boards to operate cricket efficiently.”
More than the Test fee for cricketers, the “touring fee” could be the game-changer for member boards. Recently, the ECB announced that it would be paying Zimbabwe for touring England in 2025.
It is understood that Shah wants a similar arrangement in place for others, a reason why he wants the dedicated Test match fund to be Rs. 125 crore or higher. Needless to say, it has found the backing of member boards.
At present when it comes to bilateral series, host countries walk away with all the revenue. Touring teams getting a fee would increase their revenue extensively, especially when they tour India, England and Australia.
“For member boards, hosting matches and touring costs a lot. And it is not just Test cricket. For example, our first-class system costs $5billion and those are losses. If the current model is changed, boards will be able to invest in players, develop them and refine them. That is where a lot of boards struggle. An appropriate model has to be found,” Grave added.
The need to priorities Test cricket is among the reasons member boards reckon Shah would be crucial. After he took charge as BCCI secretary, despite the packed calendar, India has played bilateral series with all full-member nations except Pakistan.
Over the last 12 months, the BCCI has sent its T20 team to Ireland and Zimbabwe and even hosted Afghanistan at home. It is an aspect where England and Australia often fall short.
And Shah did all of it while still prioritizing Test cricket as he also announced new incentives for India’s long- format players.