New Delhi. Jay Shah has been elected the new chairman of ICC. This news is one day old. Now let's talk beyond the news. What is going to be the biggest challenge before Jay Shah as ICC chairman. Before you speculate, let us tell you that the answer to this is the Pakistan connection. That is, even though Jay Shah has become the head of the supreme cricket body after getting promoted from BCCI secretary, Pakistan will continue to give him headaches. This time this headache is going to be due to the ICC Champions Trophy. Jay Shah will take over the responsibility of ICC Chairman from December 1.
Let's talk openly. Pakistan has to host the ICC Champions Trophy next year. The biggest issue in the success of this hosting is whether the Indian team will go to Pakistan. If we look at the record of the last 10-15 years, it is almost certain that the Indian team will not go to Pakistan. Reason- The decision of Team India going to Pakistan or not depends on the attitude of the Indian government. The attitude of the Indian government has not changed in the last 10 years. In such a situation, expecting that the Indian team will go to Pakistan is like extracting oil from sand. As always, India's answer is also going to be that the team is in danger in Pakistan.
Pakistan will complain to ICC
If India refuses to send its team to Pakistan due to security reasons and the rest of the teams agree to come there, then this matter will go to the ICC. The Pakistan Cricket Board will complain to the ICC about the Indian Cricket Board. Now this is where the role of Jai Shah begins. As the ICC chairman, he will have to give his decision on this with complete neutrality. The important thing is that Jai Shah will not only have to remain neutral but also have to appear so.
Shah has been in such a role before
Apart from being the BCCI secretary, Jai Shah has also been the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). As the President of the ACC, he supported the hybrid model for hosting the Asia Cup 2023. Due to this, Pakistan had to co-host some of its matches with Sri Lanka. Now it remains to be seen how Jai Shah deals with this situation as the President of the ICC.
India can play match in Dubai
It is believed that the ICC Champions Trophy can also be organized in a hybrid model. Under this model, Pakistan will host the tournament. Pakistan will play all its matches in its country. India will play its matches in Dubai. The match between India and Pakistan will also be held in Dubai.
Popularity of Test cricket is also an issue
Apart from this, Jai Shah will have to take tough decisions to maintain the popularity of Test cricket. The controversy of league cricket vs national team is also getting bigger. Jai Shah will have to strike the right balance on this issue as well. Promoting cricket in the Olympics will also be an important challenge. Cricket is going to make a re-entry in the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
tag: Champions Trophy, jay shah
first published : August 28, 2024, 06:03 IST
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