Jay Shah has expressed his dedication to increasing cricket’s worldwide influence and appeal after being chosen as the new Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday. Shah, who has been the BCCI Honorary Secretary since October 2019 and the Chair of the Asian Cricket Council since January 2021, will officially start in this important role on December 1, 2024.
Shah was the only candidate for the position, as the current ICC Chair, Greg Barclay, decided not to run for a third term. His uncontested election shows strong backing from the cricket community for his plans and direction. In his initial remarks after the appointment, Jay Shah called this a crucial chance to boost the sport’s expansion and recognition around the world.
“I feel honored to be nominated as the Chair of the International Cricket Council,” Shah stated. “I am dedicated to collaborating closely with the ICC team and our member countries to expand cricket’s reach worldwide. We are at a crucial point where it’s essential to manage the different cricket formats, encourage the use of new technologies, and introduce our major events to new international markets. Our aim is to make cricket more accessible and widely enjoyed than ever.”
Jay Shah highlighted the importance of learning from past experiences and adopting new ideas and innovations to enhance cricket’s global appeal. As the current secretary of the BCCI, he views the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Olympics as a major step that will enhance the sport’s growth and popularity, reaching new audiences and markets.
“We will use the important lessons we’ve learned, but we also need new ideas and creativity to increase the popularity of cricket around the world. Having cricket in the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 is a big opportunity for the sport to grow, and I believe it will help cricket progress in ways we’ve never seen before,” Shah said.
Jay Shah’s new job as the head of the International Cricket Council means he has to leave his position as the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, which was supposed to end next year. This is because, since 2016, the top job at the ICC has been an independent position, which means someone can’t hold more than one important job at the same time.
