Future of Test cricket, issues with broadcast deal and fund for longest format behind big support for Jay Shah | Cricket News

Last week when the International Cricket Council (ICC) set the ball rolling to elect its new Independent Chair, it was evident that Jay Shah was the overwhelming favourite. His ascension to the role, unopposed on Tuesday, hardly came as a surprise. Rather, the surprise was Shah receiving support from 15 of the 16 directors in the nomination stage. It is the sort of backing not even Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan or Shashank Manohar enjoyed at the ICC.In ICC corridors, various sources cite multiple reasons for Shah getting such unanimous support, and the foremost is the uncertainty around the broadcast deal with Disney Star that has cast a shadow over plans for a dedicated fund for Test cricket.
As per the plan, which has the backing of the BCCI, the England Cricket Board and Cricket Australia, Test cricketers from other countries could get a match fee of $10,000. Although the economics of it are being worked out, unless ICC sorts out the issues raised Star, the plan could be a non-starter.
“We are talking about the Indian sub-continent rights holder, who contributes the major chunk of the revenue. We have seen Jay pull off lucrative deals for IPL and bilateral cricket. It is the need of the hour at the ICC as well,” a board member privy to developments pointed out.
Disney Star is currently in talks with the ICC to reduce its $3billion commitment made for four years that ends in 2027. Any such revision could have an immediate effect on the health of Test cricket with Shah keen on having a strategic Test match fund of around Rs 125 crore. According to this plan, member nations other than India, England and Australia will be able to cover the match fees, touring costs and operational costs.
“I don’t see the Test match fund coming until the next Future Tours Programme that starts in 2027,” Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave told The Indian Express. “Unless a new economic model is worked out, it would be challenging to bring it now. A lot is riding on the broadcast deal so once that is settled, and they work out the economics of it, we can have it in the next cycle.”
For the plan to get the green light before 2027, there are talks of converting the Champions Trophy which is currently played in the ODI format into a T20 tournament. Shah’s role in this could well be crucial as he has repeatedly stressed on finding a balance between T20s and keeping Test cricket healthy.
“Outside of England and Australia, broadcasters value only the shorter forms. A dedicated Test match fund would send a message that the format remains the pinnacle even among players. There is a lot of migration happening towards T20s. I certainly believe the Test cricket fund will help other boards to operate cricket efficiently,” Grave said.
Pressing issues
But more than the Test fee for cricketers, the “touring fee” could be the game-changer for member boards. Recently, the ECB announced that it would be paying Zimbabwe for touring England in 2025. It is understood that Shah wants a similar arrangement in place for others, a reason why he wants the dedicated Test match fund to be Rs 125 crore or higher. Needless to say, it has found the backing of member boards.
At present when it comes to bilateral series, host countries walk away with all the revenue. Touring teams getting a fee would increase their revenue extensively, especially when they tour India, England and Australia.
“For member boards, hosting matches and touring costs a lot. And it is not just Test cricket. For example, our first-class system costs $5billion and those are losses. That is expensive. If the current model is changed, boards will be able to invest in players, develop them and refine them. That is where a lot of boards struggle. If the host board keeps everything, it isn’t helping the most needy. An appropriate model has to be found. These discussions are happening privately among members, but it has to come together,” Grave added.
The need to prioritise Test cricket is among the reasons member boards reckon Shah would be crucial. After he took charge as BCCI secretary, despite the packed calendar, India has played bilateral series with all full-member nations except Pakan. Over the last 12 months, the BCCI has sent its T20 team to Ireland and Zimbabwe and even hosted Afghanan at home. It is an aspect where England and Australia often fall short. And Shah did all of it while still prioritising Test cricket as he also announced new incentives for India’s long- format players.
A similar approach is what most of the member boards are expecting, especially with regards to the Test match fund and touring fee becoming the norm. The Future Tours Programme (FTP) could change as well. At present, member boards are working on the FTP for 2027-2031 cycle amidst more and more T20 leagues occupying a large part of the calendar.

“From whatever I read of Jay after taking charge, he seems to acknowledge the issues. It is a good sign because I can see a strategic approach from the ICC, especially with the Olympics coming up. The game has strived for unity and you need everyone aligned on complex issues,” Grave said.