Jay Shah, the current secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has made history by becoming the youngest independent chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). At the age of 35, Shah was elected unopposed after the incumbent chairman, Greg Barclay, decided not to seek a third term. This marks a significant moment for the ICC, as Shah becomes the fifth Indian to hold this high-profile position, following in the footsteps of Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.
Shah’s election was a formality as he was the sole nominee for the position. His popularity among the ICC’s 100+ member nations was evident during the ICC’s annual conference in Colombo back in July. The ICC expressed its confidence in Shah’s leadership, stating that his election signifies a new chapter for the organization as it strives to expand the global reach of cricket.
However, Shah’s appointment to the ICC chairmanship requires him to step down from his role as BCCI secretary. This decision is based on the BCCI’s constitution, which prohibits individuals from holding two positions simultaneously. As a result, the BCCI is now tasked with finding a replacement for Shah, a process that is expected to be completed by November after thorough deliberations among board members.
Shah’s priorities as ICC chairman include globalizing the sport, ensuring the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and finding a balance to sustain all formats of the game. He emphasizes the need to embrace technological advancements and introduce marquee events to new global markets. Shah believes these initiatives will contribute to making cricket more inclusive and popular worldwide.
Several potential candidates are in the running to replace Shah as BCCI secretary. Among the frontrunners are treasurer Ashish Shelar and joint secretary Devajit Saikia. Former BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal and Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) president Rohan Jaitley are also being considered.
Shah’s journey in cricket administration began in 2009 when he joined a district body in Gujarat. In 2013, he took on the role of joint secretary at the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA). He ascended to the BCCI office in 2019, alongside Sourav Ganguly as president, during a period of transition for the board. Shah’s experience with the GCA, particularly his involvement in the construction of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, which occurred early in his BCCI tenure.
Shah’s leadership during this challenging period was highlighted by the successful hosting of the IPL in the UAE in 2020 and the ICC T20 World Cup in the same country in 2021. His tenure also saw the record-breaking 2022 IPL media rights auction, which generated a staggering Rs 48,390 crores for a five-year period. Shah spearheaded the negotiations for this landmark deal.
Under Shah’s guidance, the BCCI has significantly invested in women’s cricket, including the introduction of pay parity for international players and a raise in match fees for both men and women in domestic cricket. He was instrumental in the launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2022.
Shah’s contributions extend beyond the professional game. He played a key role in the establishment of the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, utilizing land acquired by the BCCI in 2008. He has also highlighted the importance of promoting cricket for the disabled.
Shah’s immediate challenge as ICC chairman is to address the shortcomings of the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies. He has expressed concerns regarding the excessive budget for the USA leg of the tournament.
Jay Shah’s rise to the helm of the ICC signifies a new era for the organization. His commitment to globalizing cricket, coupled with his proven track record in administration and his vision for the future, makes him a formidable leader poised to shape the future of the game. His tenure promises to be an exciting one, as he seeks to bring cricket to new heights on a global scale.
