Nepotism in sports administration is a complex issue. While it can lead to favoritism and a lack of transparency, it can also result in effective governance when those in power use their influence to benefit the sport
In a significant development for the cricketing world, Jay Shah has been elected as the next chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah, currently the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will succeed Greg Barclay and take charge on December 1, 2024. His election was unopposed; a testament to his growing influence and stature he holds in the domain of cricket administration. At just 35 years, Shah has become the youngest to get ICC’s premier role, a position that commands immense power and responsibility in the global cricketing landscape.
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Jay Shah’s rapid rise to this prestigious position, is often viewed through the lens of his lineage—he is the son of Amit Shah, India’s Minister of Home Affairs. His journey in cricket administration began in 2009 as an executive board member of the Central Board of Cricket, Ahmedabad. In 2013, he became the joint secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), a role in which he oversaw the construction of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium, alongside his father, who was then the GCA president.
Over the years, Shah’s influence within the BCCI grew rapidly. By 2015, he was a member of the finance and marketing committees, and in 2019, he was elected as the secretary of the BCCI, becoming the youngest office bearer in the board's history. Under his administration, Indian cricket has seen a meteoric development, particularly in terms of governance, financial health, and global influence.
Some of Shah's notable achievements include securing a record-breaking ₹48,390 crore deal for the Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights, playing a crucial role in cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, and overseeing the successful launch of the Women's Premier League (WPL), with teams sold for ₹4,669 crore. His tenure also saw the modernization of cricket infrastructure, with the Narendra Modi Stadium being a prime example, and the implementation of a structured age-group coaching system that contributed to Gujarat's Ranji Trophy win in 2016-17. Shah’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he successfully managed international home series and IPL seasons, further cemented his reputation as a capable administrator.
Shah’s contributions culminated in India’s T20 World Cup triumph in the West Indies, where his unwavering support for the team, even after a demoralizing loss in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, was widely praised. His ability to troubleshoot, as evidenced by his swift action in arranging a private plane for the media contingent and team members stranded in Barbados due to a cyclone, showcased his hands-on approach and problem-solving skills.
These achievements underscore Shah’s impact on Indian cricket, from grassroot development to international success. It is these accomplishments that have paved the way for his unanimous selection as the next ICC Chairman. Shah’s appointment follows a lineage of influential Indian administrators, who have held the ICC’s top post, including Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar. Shah will serve a three-year term, with the option to continue for another three years, but he will have to relinquish his BCCI post, which he has held since 2019.
There are many names doing the rounds, as the next BCCI secretary, a position thatShah served with such aplomb. The most anticipated successor to Jay Shah’s position as BCCI secretary is touted to be Rohan Jaitley, an Indian lawyer and cricket administrator(no official announcement has been made by BCCI, at the time of writing this article). Rohan Jaitley, the son of the late Arun Jaitley, a former Indian finance minister and president of the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA), has been a member of BCCI’s apex committee and legal affairs committee, and like Shah, he has been associated with infrastructure development and grassroots cricket initiatives.Rohan Jaitley, currently is the president of DDCA, similar to his illustrious father.
However, Jaitley’s potential rise to the BCCI secretary post has reignited the debate on nepotism in sports administration, particularly in Indian cricket. While there is no denying that both Jay Shah and Rohan Jaitley have demonstrated commendable administrative capabilities, their political family backgrounds have led to murmurs of favoritism. This perception of nepotism is not new in Indian sports administration, where political connections have historically played a significant role.
In India, sports administration has often been influenced by political affiliations, with politicians appointing loyalists or those with strong political ties to key positions. This phenomenon is driven by several factors, including the desire to gain electoral benefits, access to funds, infrastructure, and resources, and the historical legacy of political involvement in sports dating back to pre-independence India.
Prominent examples of political figures in Indian sports administration include N. Srinivasan, a former BCCI President and AIADMK leader; Sharad Pawar, a former BCCI President and NCP leader; Rajeev Shukla, a former IPL Chairman and Congress leader; Anurag Thakur, a former BCCI President and BJP member; and Vijay Goel, a former Sports Minister and BJP leader. This trend raises concerns about conflict of interest, lack of professionalism, and political interference in sports matters, including player selections and governance.
The non-selection of individuals with a strong sports background for important power positions like president or secretary of a sports association has often been criticized. This “culture” has led to whispers of undermining meritocracy, an unfair selection processand having mistrust in matters of sports governance,in the hands of sportspersons. Decorated sports personalities, who have dedicated their lives towards bringing national and international glory to India, are frequently overlooked for these roles, which are instead filled by individuals with political connections.
However, there is another perspective on this controversial issue. Nepotism is often seen as a situation where someone repeatedly gets opportunities despite continuous failures, simply because they belong to an influential family. This is commonly observed in the Bollywood industry, where star children are given opportunities despite lacking talent. But in sports administration, failure is more apparent—if funds are mismanaged, if athletes don’t receive proper training or infrastructure, or if the sport’s popularity declines, the administrator in charge, regardless of their political connections, will face scrutiny.
In the case of Jay Shah (and possibly Rohan Jaitley in the future), their ability to secure crucial funding through sponsorships and other means, leveraging their political connections, has been pivotal for organizing events and sustaining the sport. This role is essential for the smooth functioning of sports associations like the BCCI, which relies on funding, sponsorships, and government approvals for organizing events both within India and internationally.
The success of the BCCI, the richest cricket board in the world, can be attributed to skillful administration, including the negotiation of lucrative sponsorship deals and media rights, and the organization of major events like the IPL. These tasks require strong administrative skills, which explains why diplomats and politicians often find themselves in these roles. While there have been exceptional administrators from cricketing backgrounds, such as Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny, most cricketers are entrusted with roles like selectors or coaches, where their expertise and experience in the game are invaluable.
In conclusion, nepotism in sports administration is a complex issue. While it can lead to favoritism and a lack of transparency, it can also result in effective governance when those in power use their influence to benefit the sport. Jay Shah’s tenure as BCCI secretary and his election as ICC Chairman illustrate how political connections can be leveraged to achieve success in sports administration. Whether this is seen as a bane or a blessing depends on one’s perspective, but it is clear that the impact of such administrators in the growth & development of a sport’s ecosystem, cannot be ignored.
(The views expressed are explicitly of the author)
