Jay Shah, the outgoing secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been unanimously appointed as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The 36-year-old becomes the fifth Indian to hold this esteemed position, succeeding New Zealand’s Greg Barclay, who chose not to seek a third term.
Shah joins a distinguished group of Indians who have led the ICC, including:
- Jagmohan Dalmiya, a pioneering businessman
- Sharad Pawar, veteran politician
- Shashank Manohar, renowned lawyer
- N Srinivasan, influential industrialist
Shah, the son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah, has been at the forefront of cricket administration for over a decade. He served as BCCI Secretary from 2019 to 2024, during which he played a pivotal role in advancing Indian cricket on the global stage.
In his inaugural statement as ICC Chair, Shah outlined a bold vision for the future of cricket:
- Olympic Inclusion: Shah emphasized the strategic importance of cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
- Women’s Cricket Growth: He committed to accelerating the growth of women’s cricket, recognizing its potential to expand the sport’s global appeal.
- Hybrid Model for Champions Trophy: Shah faces the immediate challenge of resolving the logistical and political complexities of the Champions Trophy, originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan.
“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,” Shah said. “We are at a critical juncture with the coexistence of multiple formats and the need to accelerate the growth of the women’s game.”
Shah’s tenure in cricket administration began in 2009 with the Gujarat Cricket Association, where he spearheaded the development of the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. In 2019, he made history as the youngest-ever Honorary Secretary of the BCCI.
He has also held prominent roles as the President of the Asian Cricket Council and Chair of the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee. His leadership has been instrumental in modernizing cricket infrastructure and expanding the sport’s commercial potential.
Shah praised his predecessor, Greg Barclay, for his contributions during a transformative four-year term that began in November 2020. Barclay’s tenure saw significant milestones, including navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic and strengthening the ICC’s governance.
“I would like to thank Greg Barclay for his leadership and the milestones achieved during his tenure. I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to expand the game’s reach on the global stage,” Shah said.
Jay Shah’s appointment marks a new chapter for the ICC, with a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and global expansion. His leadership will be crucial as cricket navigates a rapidly changing landscape and strives to reach new heights in the years ahead.