Jay Shah, the 35-year-old secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has made history by becoming the youngest ever chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He was elected unopposed on Tuesday, succeeding Greg Barclay.
Shah, who has held the position of BCCI Secretary since 2019 and chaired the Asian Cricket Council since 2021, expressed his gratitude to the ICC Member Boards for their confidence in him. In his acceptance speech, he stated, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to ICC’s Member Boards for placing their trust in me to take over this prestigious role of the Chairman of the ICC. I want to assure you that I will do everything possible to elevate the standard of our game across the globe.”
He emphasized his commitment to the game’s growth, particularly in light of cricket’s historic debut at the 2028 Olympics. “With cricket poised to make its historic debut at the Olympics in 2028, we stand at the precipice of a transformative era. This juncture is not merely a milestone, it’s a clarion call for all of us involved in this magnificent sport. It is my privilege to lead the ICC during such an exciting period in our shared journey,” he added.
Shah outlined a vision that prioritizes Test cricket, a format he believes forms the foundation of the sport. He stressed the need to encourage cricketers to excel in the longer format while acknowledging the excitement of T20 cricket. “While the T20 is a naturally exciting format, it is equally important that Test cricket remains a priority for everyone as it forms the bedrock of our game. We must see to it that cricketers are driven to longer format and our efforts will be channelised towards this goal,” Shah stated.
Beyond his focus on Test cricket, Shah also highlighted his plans to invest in women’s and differently-abled cricket. “We must champion the ICC’s mission further by allocating more resources and attention to Women’s Cricket and Differently-abled Cricket. Together, we can empower these essential facets of the sport, making them not just visible but vibrant and thriving.”
In concluding his address, Shah expressed his eagerness to lead the ICC through a period of collaboration and progress. “I eagerly anticipate a tenure rich with collaborative efforts, striving to dismantle the barriers that have hindered cricket’s progress. Every challenge we face is an opportunity in disguise, and together, we will transform adversity into triumph. Let’s embark on this incredible journey, hand in hand, united by our passion for cricket and our belief in its extraordinary potential,” he concluded.
Shah’s focus on Test cricket, coupled with his commitment to broadening cricket’s global reach, signals a promising future for the sport as he prepares to lead the ICC during this pivotal period.
