Jay Shah Honored with Icon of Excellence Award at Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025

Synopsis

Jay Shah, the ICC Chairman, has been awarded the Icon of Excellence at the Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025 for his outstanding contributions to cricket administration, including significant initiatives like pay parity and the Women’s Premier League.

Key Takeaways

Jay Shah awarded Icon of Excellence at FILA 2025.
Recognized for contributions to cricket administration.
Youngest ICC Chair in history.
Key initiatives include Women’s Premier League and pay parity.
Influential role in enhancing cricket's global outreach.

Mumbai, Feb 28 (NationPress) The Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Jay Shah, has received the prestigious Icon of Excellence Award during the 14th installment of the Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA 2025). This accolade highlights his significant contributions to cricket administration.

From his influential role as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to his status as the youngest ICC Chair, Shah has led efforts towards innovation, inclusivity, and growth within the sport.

The award was conferred upon him by Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Limited, and KVS Manian, MD & CEO of Federal Bank, during a distinguished ceremony at the JIO World Convention Centre in Mumbai on Friday.

According to the award organizers, Shah's leadership has been pivotal in launching key initiatives like pay equity in cricket, the introduction of the Women’s Premier League, the establishment of the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence, and an increase in monthly pensions. His unyielding efforts to broaden cricket's outreach, enhance global partnerships, and improve the sport’s infrastructure continue to influence its international future, the statement added.

At just 36, Shah was elected unopposed as the new ICC Chairman, succeeding Greg Barclay, who held the position since November 2020. He is the youngest individual to achieve this role and the fifth Indian to serve as ICC Chairman, following Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.

Shah’s journey in cricket administration began in 2009 with the Gujarat Cricket Association, where he oversaw the development of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In 2019, he became the BCCI Secretary, making him the youngest to hold this position. He has also served as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and as Chair of the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee.