Jay Shah officially assumed the role of International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman on December 1, becoming the third Indian to hold the position after N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar. At just 36 years old, Shah brings a wealth of administrative experience to the position, having been instrumental in Indian cricket’s global ascent since 2019, during his tenure as BCCI Secretary and his roles in other cricketing bodies.
Key Highlights
- Immediate Priorities:
Shah emphasized the need to manage the coexistence of multiple formats, expand women’s cricket, and accelerate cricket’s global growth. His first challenge will be addressing the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, especially with Pakistan and India’s participation logistics under contention.
- Previous Roles and Contributions:
- Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President: Oversaw the successful execution of regional tournaments and strengthened cricket ties in Asia.
- Chairman, ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee: Played a significant role in shaping ICC’s financial strategies.
- Secretary, BCCI (2019–2023): Helped position Indian cricket as a global brand and contributed to the renovation of Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium.
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- Acknowledgment of Predecessors:
Shah thanked his predecessor, Greg Barclay, for his leadership and the milestones achieved during his tenure from 2020 to 2024.
- Historical Context:
The ICC Chairmanship, established in 2016 after the discontinuation of the ICC President’s role, has previously been held by Indians N Srinivasan (2014–2015) and Shashank Manohar (2015–2020). Before this, Jagmohan Dalmiya (1997–2000) and Sharad Pawar (2010–2012) served as ICC Presidents.
Outlook
Jay Shah’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for global cricket, with his focus on inclusivity, modernization, and expanding the sport’s global footprint. As he navigates critical issues like the Champions Trophy and the broader development of cricket, his tenure promises to bring fresh energy to the ICC.
