Jay Shah Commences Role as ICC Chair, Shares Vision for Olympics and Women’s Cricket
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Dubai, Dec 1 (NationPress) As he embarks on his journey as Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC)Olympics and promoting women’s cricket around the world.
Shah, aged 36, was elected unanimously to succeed Greg Barclay, who has led since November 2020. He now holds the distinction of being the youngest ICC Chair and becomes the fifth Indian to occupy this prestigious position, following in the footsteps of Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.
"I am privileged to assume the role of ICC Chair and thankful for the confidence and support of the ICC Directors and Member Boards. This is a thrilling period for the sport as we gear up for the LA28 Olympic Games and strive to make cricket more inclusive and appealing to fans worldwide.
"We find ourselves at a pivotal moment with various formats coexisting and the urgent need to bolster the growth of the women’s game. Cricket has vast potential on a global scale, and I am eager to collaborate closely with the ICC team and member countries to capitalize on these opportunities and elevate the sport to new heights,” Shah expressed in an ICC statement.
Shah’s involvement in cricket administration began in 2009 with the Gujarat Cricket Association. During his tenure, he played a key role in the development of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
By 2019, he had risen to the position of secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), becoming the youngest individual to hold this role. He has also held significant positions as the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and as Chair of the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee.
During his time at the BCCI, Shah facilitated a record-breaking IPL media rights deal, the establishment of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and the launch of a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, alongside implementing the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme.
"I also want to express my gratitude to Greg Barclay for his leadership over the last four years and the achievements reached during his tenure. I am eager to work collaboratively with the ICC team and member nations to broaden the game's influence and development on the global stage," Shah concluded.
