BCCI congratulates Mr. Jay Shah on being elected unopposed as Independent Chair of International Cricket Council (ICC)

Khel Today Bureau

Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pleased to announce the election of Mr. Jay Shah as the Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Mr. Shah was elected unopposed to the prestigious position, reflecting the unanimous support and confidence of the ICC’s Member Boards.

Mr. Shah’s journey to the top has been nothing short of inspirational. He started working in Cricket Administration at the District & State level in 2009, working with the Central Board of Cricket, Ahmedabad (CBCA) and the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) as an Executive. He became the Joint Secretary of the GCA back in 2013 and was instrumental in developing cricket in Gujarat at the grassroots level. He was a key figure in the restructuring and construction of the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium.

His significant contributions in the following years saw him being elected as the youngest BCCI Secretary in 2019. Mr. Shah’s tenure saw remarkable achievements – one of the most notable and historic being the Indian Premier League (IPL) five-year media rights deal in 2022,  which was sold for an astronomical INR 48,390 crore.

In 2019, he was selected as the BCCI’s representative for future Chief Executive Committee (CEC) meetings of the ICC. In 2021, Mr Shah was appointed President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Later, in 2022, he became member of the Board of the ICC. At the beginning of 2024, his term as the president of the Asian Cricket Council was unanimously extended by one year, making him the youngest administrator to be reappointed as the ACC President.

From expanding the ACC’s reach to launching new tournaments and nurturing young talent, Mr Shah’s leadership has been visionary. By 2022, Mr Shah also became the head of the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) Committee. He played a key role in advocating for cricket to be included in international events like the Commonwealth Games.

His progression across different roles over the years and his unique foresight about the game have had a transformative impact on cricket globally. Mr. Shah’s appointment as ICC’s Independent Chair marks a significant milestone in the governance of international cricket.

In his new role, Mr. Shah will lead the ICC in its mission to continue the global expansion of the sport, ensuring that cricket remains at the forefront of international sports. He will work closely with the Board, member countries, and stakeholders to drive innovation, uphold the integrity of the game, and promote cricket’s values worldwide. His strategic vision will guide the ICC’s efforts to adapt to the evolving landscape of international sports.

Mr. Shah’s election marks a new chapter in the ICC’s history and the BCCI is confident that under his leadership, cricket will continue to thrive and reach new heights. He will assume this prestigious role from December 1, 2024.

Upon his election, Mr. Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary of the BCCI,  expressed his gratitude and commitment to the role:  “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to ICC’s Member Boards for placing their trust in me to take over this prestigious role of the Chairman of the ICC. I want to assure you that I will do everything possible to elevate the standard of our game across the globe. As I step into this pivotal role, I am resolutely committed to meeting your high expectations and dedicating myself to the beautiful game of cricket.

With cricket poised to make its historic debut at the Olympics in 2028, we stand at the precipice of a transformative era. This juncture is not merely a milestone, it’s a clarion call for all of us involved in this magnificent sport. It is my privilege to lead the ICC during such an exciting period in our shared journey.

I would also like to work towards setting up a separate program for talent search during my tenure, and I look forward to your support in this program. While the T20 is a naturally exciting format, it is equally important that Test cricket remains a priority for everyone as it forms the bedrock of our game. We must see to it that cricketers are driven to longer format and our efforts will be channelised towards this goal.

We must champion the ICC’s mission further by allocating more resources and attention to Women’s Cricket and Differently-abled Cricket. Together, we can empower these essential facets of the sport, making them not just visible but vibrant and thriving.

I eagerly anticipate a tenure rich with collaborative efforts, striving to dismantle the barriers that have hindered cricket’s progress. Every challenge we face is an opportunity in disguise, and together, we will transform adversity into triumph. Let’s embark on this incredible journey, hand in hand, united by our passion for cricket and our belief in its extraordinary potential.”

Mr. Roger Binny, President, BCCI said: “I take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Jay Shah on his appointment as the independent chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He has been a strong pillar as the BCCI Honorary Secretary and the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). He has been a cornerstone in ideating and implementing some of the pathbreaking initiatives in cricket. As he takes over as the ICC Chairman, I am sure his foresight and leadership will further enhance the reputation and well-being of our beloved game.”

Mr. Rajeev Shukla, BCCI Vice-President, said: “I would like to wish Mr. Jay Shah all the very best in his new role at the ICC. He has been a visionary and has taken great pride in making sure that the game of cricket reaches newer heights and reaches a wider audience. His forthright approach and astute leadership means the game of cricket will continue to prosper across the globe.”

Mr. Ashish Shelar, BCCI Treasurer, said: “It has been a fantastic experience to witness how tirelessly and efficiently Mr. Jay Shah operates and strives to make the game of cricket a better place for everyone concerned. As I congratulate him on his landmark role, I am sure he will leave no stone unturned to bring more recognition, reach and laurels to the game.”

Mr Devajit Saikia, BCCI Joint Secretary, said: “From being a strong administrator at the grassroots level to leading by example in his role as the BCCI Secretary and ACC President, all of us have witnessed how Mr. Shah remains true to his belief of making the game bigger and better. In his tenure with the BCCI, he has helped the game grow exponentially. As he gears up for his new role, I am sure he will put his best foot forward to serve the game all of us love so dearly.”