 "Jay Shah officially takes over as ICC chairman, aims to take cricket to greater heights: 'Exciting time for the sport'")
Jay Shah officially took over as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday, 1 December, replacing Greg Barclay in the role. Shah, who has been BCCI’s secretary since 2019, becomes the fifth Indian to head cricket’s global governing body. The late Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, Shashank Manohar and N Srinivasan are the other Indians to have headed the ICC previously. The 35-year-old is also the youngest person to be appointed chairman in ICC’s history.
Shah, who was elected unanimously to the role in August, said he was honoured to be appointed the ICC chairman. “I am honoured to take on the role of ICC Chair and grateful for the support and trust of the ICC Directors and Member Boards,” Shah said in a statement.
Champions Trophy 2025 | With Jay Shah taking over as ICC chief, cornered PCB finds itself running out of options
‘Exciting time for the sport’: Shah
“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.
“We are at a critical juncture with the coexistence of multiple formats and the need to accelerate the growth of the women’s game.
“Cricket holds immense potential globally, and I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to seize these opportunities and take the sport to new heights," he added.
Jay Shah’s career in cricket administration
Shah’s career in cricket administration began in 2009 with Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA). He oversaw the development of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which is the world’s largest cricket stadium. Shah was named the General Secretary of BCCI in 2019 and has also been the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) as well as the head of the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee.
As BCCI secretary, Shah oversaw the introduction of the Women's Premier League (WPL) and also announced equal match fees for men and women.
Barclay had been the ICC chairman since November 2020 and Shah thanked Barclay for how he led the ICC. “I would also like to thank Greg Barclay for his leadership in the role for the past four years and the milestones achieved during that period,” he said. “I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and the Member countries to expand the game’s reach and evolution on the global stage," added the 36-year-old.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsShah’s official appointment comes at a time when the fate of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to be held in Pakistan, is hanging by a thread. The PCB, after being initially reluctant, ha s reportedly agreed to hosting the tournament in a hybrid model , amid India’s refusal to travel to the country.
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