Sunil Gavaskar has thrown his full support behind Jay Shah, who is likely to become the next ICC president after being denied a third term by Greg Barclay.

Jay Shah is expected to win the election unopposed, but if there is an election, more than one candidate will be required.

It has been widely reported in the media that BCCI Secretary Jay Shah could file for the post and if he does so, he is likely to become the next ICC chief given the support he enjoys within the board. The last date for filing for the post is August 27.

Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar feels Shah’s appointment will have wider implications for the growth of world cricket given his track record as a BCCI administrator.

“Jay Shah is very likely to be the next ICC president. Just as he did with Indian cricket, both men and women, players across the world will benefit,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sportstar.

He has also attacked critics, without naming them, who suggested it was Shah who might have forced Barclay not to seek a third term to which he was entitled.

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“When Greg Barclay announced his decision not to stand for a third term, to which he was entitled, there were reports in the Old Powers media that Barclay’s decision had been forced upon him by the Shah,” Gavaskar wrote.

“Only when the eternal plagiarists were asked what the representatives of their former powers were doing did it suddenly occur to them that if Barclay was indeed forced not to seek a third term, then what were his own representatives at the ICC doing at the meeting?” he added.

Sunil Gavaskar further wrote that Jay Shah is being criticised because the old powers have now realised that they are powerless and hence are trying to create unnecessary pressure on him before he takes over his post.

“Where were their voices of protest? And if there were none, then they were as guilty as the one they were unnecessarily pointing the finger at. It is called the tall poppy syndrome, as is the realisation that they no longer run the international game,” wrote Sunil Gavaskar.

Sunil Gavaskar writes a tribute to Jay Shah

He further praised Shah for changing the face of Indian cricket and its administration in the last few years and added that now as ICC President, Shah will look to improve the status of world cricket.

“The way Indian cricket has evolved over the years is also a tribute to the BCCI and its administration,” he said. “The kind of cricket that the teams, both men and women, have been playing is another big reason why the sport is flourishing in India.”

“If the team did not win, the sponsors would not be involved. The superb teamwork of the players and administrators explains why Indian cricket is in such good health. Let us hope it remains that way forever,” he added.

Jay Shah’s biggest contribution to Indian cricket was achieving equal pay for male and female players of the Indian national cricket team.

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