By Mumbai, India – Jay Shah, a prominent figure in Indian cricket administration, has officially taken charge as the youngest Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) at the age of 36. His tenure, which began on December 1, marks a significant milestone in global cricket governance. Shah was elected unopposed to the role earlier this year, succeeding New Zealand’s Greg Barclay.
Speaking about his new role, Shah expressed gratitude for the unanimous support he received: “I am honoured to be starting in the role of ICC Chair and want to thank the ICC Directors and Member Boards for their support and trust in me to undertake this important role.”
Shah steps into the position at a pivotal moment for cricket, with major developments on the horizon, including the sport’s reintroduction at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “This is an exciting time for the sport as we build up to the LA28 Olympic Games and strive to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before,” he said.
A Rapid Rise in Cricket Governance
Jay Shah’s journey to the top of world cricket has been meteoric. From serving as a district-level cricket administrator in Gujarat, Shah rose to prominence as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2019. Under his leadership, India regained its influential position in the ICC, contributing 85% of the global body’s revenue, largely due to the nation’s massive broadcast market and cricket fanbase.
Shah also chaired the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee, playing a key role in ensuring India’s financial dominance translated into strategic influence. His tenure as BCCI Secretary ended last month, allowing him to fully focus on his new responsibilities as ICC Chairman.
Challenges Ahead
As ICC Chairman, Shah faces several critical issues, including the coexistence of multiple cricket formats, expanding the women’s game, and resolving long-standing tensions between India and Pakistan over bilateral matches. The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan, has already sparked controversy. India has refused to travel to Pakistan, with discussions underway to host India’s matches in the UAE.
Shah acknowledged the complexities of his new role, emphasizing the importance of unity and growth. “Cricket is a sport that unites millions across the globe, and this is a moment of immense responsibility and opportunity,” he said.
Revitalizing Test Cricket and Global Growth
One of Shah’s key focus areas will be balancing the dominance of the shorter T20 format with the sustainability of Test cricket, particularly for smaller cricketing nations. Discussions about creating a Test match fund and ensuring fair match fees for players from less financially robust cricket boards are ongoing. Shah is expected to play a crucial role in addressing these disparities.
“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 noted. “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.”
A New Era for Global Cricket
Shah’s appointment makes him the fifth Indian to chair the ICC, following in the footsteps of N. Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar. Unlike his predecessors, Shah enjoys the complete backing of the BCCI, which significantly strengthens his position within the ICC boardroom.
As Shah embarks on his three-year term, his leadership will be closely watched by cricketing nations and fans worldwide. From enhancing global revenues to addressing geopolitical challenges, Shah’s tenure promises to shape the future of the sport at a critical juncture in its evolution.
