Former ICC chair Greg Barclay, who handed over the reins to Jay Shah on December 1, believes Shah has the potential to elevate cricket globally. However, Barclay stated the importance of inclusivity, cautioning against India exerting disproportionate control over the sport’s development.
Barclay, who led the ICC from 2020 to 2024, noted that India, under Shah’s guidance, could utilise its significant influence to expand cricket’s global reach and support emerging nations. He stressed that while India is a crucial contributor to the sport, its dominance could skew outcomes that may hinder overall growth. Barclay remarked that Shah’s background offers a unique opportunity to uplift cricket without making it solely centred on India’s agenda.
He further suggested several ways India could drive growth, such as pooling international broadcast rights, giving smaller cricketing nations more opportunities through bilateral series, opening new markets, and collaborating with the ICC to benefit all members.
Addressing the Crowded Cricket Calendar
Reflecting on his tenure, Barclay acknowledged the increasing challenges posed by the congested cricket schedule. During his time, three major franchise T20 leagues emerged in the USA, UAE, and South Africa, adding further strain to an already packed calendar. Barclay attributed the problem to the self-interest of cricket boards, making it difficult to balance priorities.
"I reckon, gee, I'm at the apex of the game and I can't tell you who's playing around the world. In fact, I didn't realise that Sri Lanka were in South Africa until I read about Marco Jansen's seven wickets this morning," Barclay said. "So we've lost perspective. It's not great for the game at all. It's a mess. The calendar is incredibly congested and self-interest is such that it's almost impossible to untangle all of that, because no one's going to give up their content."
He criticised the chaotic scheduling, calling it detrimental to the sport’s long-term health.
Defending Afghanistan's ICC Membership
Barclay also addressed Afghanistan’s Full Membership status, amidst criticism over the lack of a women’s cricket team. While fielding a women’s team is a requirement for Full Membership, Barclay defended the Afghanistan Cricket Board, explaining that it operates under strict national decrees that prevent it from supporting women’s cricket.
He argued that punishing the Afghanistan board would be unjust, as they are bound by the country’s laws. Barclay suggested that cricket could act as a positive force within the nation, fostering hope and gradual change.
Barclay also called out the inconsistency of certain cricket boards, such as Cricket Australia, for cancelling bilateral matches with Afghanistan while still competing against them in ICC tournaments. He criticised such actions as contradictory, stating that true principles would require consistency, even at the cost of a World Cup semifinal spot.
As Jay Shah takes over, Barclay’s reflections highlight both the opportunities and challenges cricket faces in its journey toward global growth and inclusivity.