Jay Shah, the current BCCI Secretary, has made history by being elected unopposed as the new Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). His tenure will begin on December 1st, marking a significant moment as he becomes the youngest-ever individual to hold this prestigious position. Shah is also the fifth Indian to assume the role of ICC Chairman, following in the footsteps of prominent figures like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.
The Ahmedabad-based administrator was the sole nominee for the chairmanship, highlighting his strong standing within the cricketing world. Virat Kohli, the renowned Indian cricketer, took to social media to extend his congratulations to Shah, expressing his well wishes for success in this new endeavor. “Many congratulations @JayShah on being elected as the ICC chairman. Wishing you great success ahead,” Kohli wrote on ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter).
Shah has outlined an ambitious vision for his chairmanship, prioritizing the expansion of cricket’s global reach and popularity. He recognizes the significance of balancing various formats of the game, promoting the integration of advanced technologies, and introducing exciting marquee events to new markets worldwide. One of his key focuses is the upcoming inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, which presents a tremendous opportunity to introduce the sport to a wider audience.
In an official ICC release, Shah expressed his gratitude for the nomination and his commitment to working collaboratively with the ICC team and member nations to further globalize cricket. “I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council,” he stated. “I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalise cricket. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before.” These words reflect Shah’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and accessible environment for cricket, ensuring its continued growth and appeal across the globe.
