In a strategic move aimed at bolstering continuity and stability within its leadership ranks, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has put forth significant recommendations to alter the term structure for the role of ICC Chairman and Independent Director. The proposed adjustment seeks to reshape the tenures from the existing format of three terms of two years each to a more streamlined two terms of three years each. Should this proposal gain approval, it will pave the way for Jay Shah, recently elected unopposed as the ICC chairman, to potentially lead the global cricketing body through an extended span of six years, split over two separate three-year terms.
Currently positioned to take over the role officially from December 1, Jay Shah could, under the new terms, helm the ICC until 2030. This change, while maintaining a cumulative tenure of six years, is seen as a move to inject more consistency in the positions, allowing the Chairman and Independent Director to operate with an increased sense of security and continuity. The motivation for this shift stems from the recognition that frequent elections—currently every two years—can disrupt the momentum and strategic direction of the leadership by compelling officials to allocate significant attention and resources towards campaigning.
Jay Shah steps into the role following the tenure of outgoing chairman Greg Barclay, who was appointed to this esteemed position in 2020 and served two uninterrupted terms, each lasting two years. Meanwhile, the ICC is witnessing a vacancy in the Independent Director’s position since PepsiCo Chair Indra Nooyi finished her three terms. This crucial role remains open, awaiting the appointment of a new leader who will likely adhere to the revised tenure guidelines if they come into effect.
Beyond leadership changes, the ICC board has been quite active, green-lighting pivotal elements of the women’s cricket agenda. The board has given its nod to the Women’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) spanning the years 2025 to 2029—the second such program, promising to continue the expansion and enhancement of women’s cricket on the global stage. The strategic blueprint for the women’s cricket itinerary promises to be unveiled in the forthcoming days, setting the scene for a new era of international competition.
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In line with these developments, another decision by the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) has realigned the annual update schedule of the Women’s rankings to occur on May 1, shifting from its previous date of October 1. The rationale behind this move stems from the notable increase in women’s international cricket, which the ICC believes merits a modified timeline. Additionally, teams are now required to engage in a minimum of eight matches, up from the previous six, in a bid to ensure a comprehensive reflection of team performances over the ranking period.
On the subject of ODI status for Associate teams, a new formalized mechanism is set to enhance fairness and opportunity within international cricket’s associate framework. At present, 16 women’s teams, including 11 full-member teams, make up this competitive landscape. As the next cycle approaches, the top two Associate teams that advance to the women’s ODI World Cup qualifier will earn ODI status. This will be supplemented by three additional teams gaining the status through their T20I rankings.
In a further bid to enrich the structure of international women’s cricket, the ICC has sanctioned the formation of two annual International T20 tournaments. This orchestrated initiative will span from 2025 to 2028 and aims to engage up to 24 teams, paving a clear pathway to the 16-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup set for 2030. Further details regarding these tournaments, designed to inject context and structure into women’s T20 cricket, are anticipated to be unveiled in due course.
These sweeping changes underscore the ICC’s dedication to fostering a more coherent and supportive framework for cricket leadership and competition. As Jay Shah prepares to take on this influential role, these foundational shifts promise to define a new chapter in cricket’s governance and competitive organization, amplifying stability, participation, and global reach in the cricketing world.
