Imran Khwaja, a prominent figure in cricket administration, is set to continue as the ICC’s deputy chair, with his new tenure beginning on December 1, 2024—the same day Jay Shah, BCCI secretary, steps into his role as ICC chair. This reappointment underscores Khwaja’s sustained influence within the ICC and marks a period of strong leadership transition in international cricket governance.
Khwaja’s association with the ICC Board dates back to 2008, and since assuming the role of deputy chair in 2017, he has been a critical figure in ICC operations. Notably, he held the interim chair position in 2020 after Shashank Manohar’s tenure ended. In the months that followed, Khwaja contested the chairmanship against Greg Barclay, losing in a close race that required two rounds of voting. His unwavering commitment to cricket’s global development has made him a respected and influential leader within the ICC.
Also Read: ICC Test Player Rankings: Saud Shakeel Enters Top Ten Amid Major Shifts
Earlier this year, Khwaja was re-elected as one of three Associate member directors on the ICC Board during the annual general meeting in Colombo, reflecting the continued confidence in his leadership from cricket’s Associate nations. Jay Shah’s recent appointment as ICC chair is also a historic moment, with Shah being the youngest to ever hold the position at just 35. He is the fifth Indian to lead the ICC, following icons like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar. Shah’s tenure is anticipated to bring a new wave of energy and innovation to the global cricketing arena.
In a recent vote, the ICC has approved a recommendation to modify the tenure limits for both the ICC chair and board directors, now allowing two terms of three years each instead of the previous limit of three terms of two years each. This change aims to ensure that cricket’s top leaders have sufficient time to implement long-term strategies and foster greater continuity in governance.
As the ICC prepares for this dual-leadership era, the collaboration between Shah and Khwaja is expected to shape the organization’s vision and impact for years to come, strengthening international cricket and its global appeal.
