Virat Kohli confirmed on Thursday that he will step down as captain of India's T20I team after the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in October-November. The bat star said that he will continue to lead India in Tests and ODI cricket."I've decided to step down as the T20 captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October," Kohli said in a statement that he shared on his social media handles. pic.twitter.com/Ds7okjhj9J— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 16, 2021Virat Kohli has led India in 45 T20I internationals since taking over from MS Dhoni in 2017. He has a winning percentage of 64.44 with 29 victories and 14 defeats.Also Read- ICC mens T20I rankings: Indian captain Virat Kohli moves to No 4, KL Rahul retains sixth spotFor some time, there has been speculation about Kohli's future as white-ball captain especially in the backdrop of Rohit Sharma's brilliant track record of winning five IPL titles for Mumbai Indians.Discussed decision with Ravi Shastri, Rohit Sharma: Virat Kohli"Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all three formats and captaining regularly for last five to six years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead Indian team in Test and ODI cricket," Kohli said in a statement on his Twitter page."I have given my everything to the Team during my time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 captain and will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman moving forward," he further added.The decision, Kohli said, was taken after consulting head coach Ravi Shastri, his heir apparent Rohit, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and secretary Jay Shah."Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time. After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group...," Kohli stated."I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and president of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian cricket and Indian cricket team to the best of my ability," Kohli said.The T20 World Cup begins on October 17.Also Read- T20 World Cup: Shikhar Dhawan, Yuzvendra Chahal among big names missing from India's 15-man squad
Jay Shah: The Leading Contender for ICC Chairman PositionJay Shah, the current Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is emerging as the leading candidate for the position of International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman. His potential appointment marks a significant shift in the governance of international cricket and reflects his growing influence within the sport. This article delves into Jay Shah's credentials, his impact on cricket administration, and the implications of his possible chairmanship for global cricket.Jay Shah’s Credentials and ExperienceJay Shah has been a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, having held the position of BCCI Secretary since 2019. His tenure has been marked by several notable achievements and reforms, including: 1. Revamping Domestic Cricket:Shah has been instrumental in overhauling domestic cricket structures, aiming to enhance the competitive spirit and standard of the game at the grassroots level. 2. Successful IPL Administration:Under his stewardship, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has continued to thrive, showcasing his adeptness in managing high-stakes cricketing events. 3. Strategic Partnerships:Shah has played a crucial role in negotiating strategic partnerships and sponsorships that have significantly boosted the financial health of Indian cricket. 4. Leadership During the Pandemic:His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured the smooth conduct of cricketing events while adhering to health protocols. Impact on Global CricketShould Jay Shah assume the role of ICC Chairman, his extensive experience and leadership qualities could bring several positive changes to the global cricketing landscape: 1. Enhanced Governance:Shah’s tenure could lead to improved governance practices within the ICC, focusing on transparency and efficiency in decision-making processes. 2. Strengthening International Relations:With his strong background in managing bilateral and multilateral cricketing relations, Shah is likely to foster stronger ties between cricketing nations, promoting international cricket’s growth. 3. Innovation and Technology:His inclination towards embracing technology and innovation could result in the implementation of advanced systems and solutions to enhance the game’s appeal and administration. 4. Development of Emerging Markets:Shah’s leadership could prioritize the development of cricket in emerging markets, ensuring that the sport gains traction in new regions and broadens its global footprint. Implications of His ChairmanshipJay Shah’s potential chairmanship is expected to bring several key changes and opportunities: 1. Policy Reforms:Expect a series of policy reforms aimed at modernizing the ICC’s approach to international cricket management. These reforms could include changes in tournament structures, player welfare programs, and financial distributions. 2. Increased Focus on Grassroots Development:His commitment to grassroots development may lead to more investment in youth and domestic cricket programs worldwide, nurturing young talent and expanding the sport’s base. 3. Revitalization of ICC Tournaments:Shah’s vision could lead to the revitalization of ICC tournaments, with a focus on enhancing their competitiveness and global reach. 4. Strengthened Financial Stability:His experience in financial management and strategic partnerships could bolster the ICC’s financial stability, providing a robust platform for future initiatives and developments. ConclusionJay Shah’s potential ascent to the ICC Chairmanship represents a significant moment in international cricket’s governance. His extensive experience, proven leadership, and strategic vision could pave the way for transformative changes in the sport. As the cricketing world anticipates this development, Shah’s tenure could herald a new era of growth, innovation, and excellence in global cricket.FAQs:Who is Jay Shah?Jay Shah is the current Secretary of the BCCI and a prominent figure in Indian cricket administration.What are Jay Shah’s major achievements?His major achievements include revamping domestic cricket, successful IPL administration, strategic partnerships, and effective leadership during the pandemic.What changes could Jay Shah bring to the ICC?Jay Shah could bring enhanced governance, stronger international relations, innovation in technology, and increased focus on grassroots development.How might Jay Shah’s chairmanship impact global cricket tournaments?His chairmanship could lead to revitalized ICC tournaments with improved competitiveness and global reach.What are the potential benefits of Jay Shah’s leadership for emerging cricket markets?His leadership could prioritize the development of cricket in emerging markets, expanding the sport’s global footprint.
Jay Shah's success in securing lucrative broadcast deals and organizing major events has been a key factor in his unanimous support for becoming the International Cricket Council's (ICC) new Independent Chair. Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave noted that the ICC board wanted to avoid internal politics and focus on Shah's effective leadership at the BCCI. Shah's accomplishments include hosting the Women's Premier League, successfully overseeing the 50-over World Cup in India, and securing significant broadcast deals for the IPL and BCCI. Shah's unopposed election on Tuesday, with the backing of 15 out of 16 directors during the nomination stage, is unprecedented, surpassing the support previous leaders like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, or Shashank Manohar received at the ICC. One of the primary reasons for Shah's strong support is the uncertainty surrounding the broadcast deal with Disney Star, which has implications for a proposed fund dedicated to Test cricket. Shah, along with the England Cricket Board and Cricket Australia, has been advocating for this initiative, which aims to guarantee a match fee of $10,000 for Test cricketers from other countries. However, the plan's success hinges on resolving issues with Disney Star, as any revision to their $3 billion commitment for 2027 could impact the fund, valued at approximately Rs 125 crore. The future of the Test match fund appears uncertain until the next Future Tours Programme begins in 2027, unless a new economic model is devised. Discussions are ongoing about converting the Champions Trophy, currently an ODI tournament, into a T20 event. Shah's role in balancing T20 and preserving Test cricket could prove crucial in this context. Grave highlighted Shah's strategic approach to addressing these issues, particularly with the upcoming Olympics. The ICC seeks unity on complex matters, and a dedicated Test match fund would send a strong message about the format's importance, especially amidst the growing popularity of T20s. This fund could help other cricket boards operate more efficiently, particularly in countries outside of England and Australia, where broadcasters focus on shorter formats. In addition to Test match fees, a "touring fee" could be transformative for member boards. Shah is advocating for a fund of Rs 125 crore or more to cover these fees, recognizing the financial burden of hosting and touring, especially for smaller boards. Currently, host countries retain all revenue from bilateral series, but a touring fee could significantly increase revenue for teams playing in India, England, and Australia. Shah's commitment to prioritizing Test cricket is evident in India's busy bilateral series schedule, excluding Pakistan, since he took charge as BCCI secretary. India has played series with all full-member nations and sent its T20 team to Ireland and Zimbabwe while hosting Afghanistan at home. Shah has also introduced new incentives for India's long-format players, further demonstrating his dedication to Test cricket, an area where England and Australia sometimes fall short.Also Read: Jay Shah front-runner to take over as ICC chairman
