On August 26, 2024, at 07:43 PM IST, the cricketing world was abuzz with news of Greg Barclay stepping down from his position as the ICC chairman. This decision paved the way for BCCI secretary Jay Shah to emerge as the frontrunner to take over the prestigious role in the world governing body. However, amidst the speculation and anticipation surrounding Shah’s potential appointment, former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar launched a scathing attack against the ‚Old Powers‘ of international cricket for alleging that Shah forced Barclay to step down from his ICC post.
Barclay’s announcement of stepping down from his position following the end of his third term on November 30 sparked controversy and rumors within the cricketing fraternity. Reports surfaced in the media suggesting that Shah had influenced Barclay’s decision, leading to a backlash from certain factions within the cricketing community. Gavaskar, in his column for Sportstar, vehemently defended Shah and criticized the ‚Old Powers‘ for their baseless allegations.
„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. He questioned the credibility of the critics who accused Shah of manipulating Barclay’s decision, highlighting the lack of objection from their own representatives at the ICC meeting. Gavaskar attributed the criticism to a sense of insecurity among the ‚Old Powers‘ who feared losing their influence over the game.
The legendary India batter further praised the collaborative efforts between players and BCCI administrators for the success and growth of cricket in India. He credited the „terrific teamwork“ within the Indian cricket ecosystem as a key factor behind the sport’s flourishing state in the country. Gavaskar emphasized the importance of consistent performance by the teams, both men and women, in attracting sponsors and maintaining the sport’s popularity.
As the cricketing landscape undergoes a transition with potential leadership changes at the ICC, Gavaskar’s words serve as a reminder of the evolving dynamics within the sport. The endorsement of Jay Shah’s candidacy and the critique of the ‚Old Powers‘ shed light on the power struggles and politics that often accompany high-profile positions in international cricket.
In conclusion, Sunil Gavaskar’s outspoken defense of Jay Shah and his analysis of the cricketing landscape offer valuable insights into the complexities of the sport’s governance and administration. As the cricketing world awaits Shah’s potential appointment as the ICC president, Gavaskar’s words serve as a testament to the changing tides within the global cricketing community.