Former Australian coach John Buchanan recently extended his congratulations to Jay Shah on his election as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Buchanan, who led Australia to World Cup victories in 2003 and 2007, shared his thoughts during the inauguration of the multi-sport foundation program ‚Ready Steady Go Kids‘ in collaboration with CP Goenka International School and Sports Gurukul.
Expressing optimism for Shah’s tenure as ICC chairman, which officially begins on December 1, 2024, Buchanan emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance among all three formats of international cricket. With the rise of T20 franchise cricket, Buchanan hopes that Shah will prioritize the significance of representing one’s country over club commitments.
In a statement quoted by ANI, Buchanan stated, „Cricket needs his great decision-making at the ICC level. There have been talks of getting rid of ODIs in the age of popular T20Is, T20s, T10 competitions and matches. There are plenty of things that can entice quality players to play for a club rather than their country. I do not think this is healthy, representing your country is your highest privilege. I hope Shah will be able to work on it along with the ICC administration and make all three formats of the game equal in priority.“
Jay Shah, who has been serving as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since October 2019 and as Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council since January 2021, was elected unopposed to the ICC’s top position. Buchanan highlighted the importance of maintaining the relevance of One Day Internationals (ODIs) in an era dominated by T20 and T10 formats, emphasizing the significance of representing one’s country over club commitments.
Buchanan voiced hope that Shah, in collaboration with the ICC administration, would ensure equal importance is given to all formats of the game. He also discussed the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series between Australia and India, scheduled to commence on November 22.
„There is no secret that Australian bowlers have become more bowler-friendly as of late. To play in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide under lights, there are things in favour of bowlers, Bumrah is world-class, have enjoyed watching him. He does not have an extensively long run-up, but generates his pace through his action at the crease. That is a good thing, it does not tax the body too much,“ Buchanan explained.
Buchanan also analyzed the bowling line-ups of both teams, highlighting the strengths of players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc for Australia, and Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja for India. He particularly praised Jasprit Bumrah for his impressive record in Australia, having taken 32 wickets at an average of 21.25.
The series will feature a day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval, followed by matches in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, promising a closely contested battle between two formidable teams. Buchanan’s insights provide a glimpse into the upcoming series and the challenges that both teams will face in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar showdown.