Jay Shah has been formally sarted in as the 16th International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman. Being 36, Shah has created history by being the youngest to ever lead the global cricket body. He is replacing Greg Barclay from New Zealand, who chose not to serve a third term.
Achievement
Jay Shah is the fifth Indian to sit in the ICC Chairman’s chair with historical legends like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, Shashank Manohar, and N. Srinivasan.
| Previous Indian ICC Chairmen | Background |
|---|---|
| Jagmohan Dalmiya | Veteran Cricket Administrator |
| Sharad Pawar | Politician |
| Shashank Manohar | Lawyer |
| N Srinivasan | Industrialist |
Priorities for Jay Shah
- Promoting more cricket throughout the world
Cricket is inclusive and meant to be played in all parts of the globe, and this is what Jay Shah set out to promote at the inception of his administration at the helm. It includes cricket at Los Angeles 2028 in the Olympic program.
- Quickening Women’s Cricket
For him, it should be imperative to develop women’s cricket worldwide by promoting equality across all genres.
- Worldwide Champions Trophy Issue
The rapid decision to be taken by Shah will be regarding the hosting venue for the Champions Trophy 2025. India has refused to travel to Pakistan, leading to that the determination to adopt a hybrid model or to move the event to another neutral venue.
Leadership Experience
Jay Shah has extensive experience in cricket administration:
- 2009: Began his career in the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA).
- 2019: Appointed BCCI Secretary.
- 2021: Became President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
- 2024: Re-elected as ACC President.
- 2022: Chaired the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee.
Quotes from Jay Shah
In his first statement as ICC Chairman, Shah said:
“This is an exciting time for the sport as we prepare for the LA28 Olympic Games and work to make cricket more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide. I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and member countries to seize these opportunities and take the sport to new heights.”
Jay Shah has brought a new vision and energy in the ICC. His vision is very intertwined with a global reach, total inclusivity, and answers for all vital concerns the cricketing world faces today under his guidance.
