The 35-year-old Shah, who has been the BCCI secretary since 2019, is now the youngest ever to reach the pinnacle of global cricket body.Shah has been nominated by all the 15 members of the ICC Board.
Shah’s tenure will commence on December 1, 2024, succeeding the current Chair, Greg Barclay, who opted not to pursue a third term.
This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the sport, with Shah becoming the sole nominee and inheriting the leadership role at a time of significant opportunity and evolution for cricket.
He has served as the honorary secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since October 2019, a period marked by significant changes and advancements within Indian cricket.
Furthermore, his role as the Chair of the Asian Cricket Council since January 2021 has provided him with valuable experience in navigating the complexities of international cricket administration within a diverse region.
Upon his election, Shah emphasized his commitment to expanding cricket’s global footprint and capitalizing on its inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council. I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalize cricket. We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to new global markets. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before,” Shah was quoted as saying in an ICC media release.
Shah’s election ushers in a new chapter for the ICC, one that will be defined by its efforts to expand cricket’s reach and navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly evolving sporting landscape.
His focus on globalization, technological integration, and leveraging the momentum of the LA 2028 Olympics signals a proactive approach to securing cricket’s future on the world stage.
Challenges in ICC
Jay Shah’s immediate challenge will be overseeing the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. As the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Shah was a strong advocate for the Hybrid Model, which saw Pakistan and Sri Lanka co-host the Asia Cup ODI event in 2023. How Shah, now the ICC chairman, navigates this situation will be crucial, especially given the possibility that the Indian government might not permit the national team to travel to Pakistan.
There is speculation that the Hybrid Model could be revisited, allowing Pakistan to play its matches at home while facing India in Dubai.
In the long term, Shah will need to address several critical issues: safeguarding the future of Test cricket by securing dedicated funding, ensuring the sustainability of ODIs, and preventing the exodus of core talent to freelance in T20 leagues around the world.
Crafting an effective calendar that balances players’ well-being with financial opportunities will also be a top priority. Another significant challenge on his agenda will be promoting cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics, as it is set to debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
The Early Days
Jay Shah’s initial involvement in cricket administration commenced in 2009 at the district level, focusing on cricket development in Gujarat through the Central Board of Cricket, Ahmedabad (CBCA).
His journey progressed to the state level, where he served as an Executive with the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA). Recognized for his administrative skills, work ethic, and progressive mindset, Shah was appointed as the Joint Secretary of the GCA in 2013.
At the time, Gujarat cricket was poised for significant changes but faced challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and the absence of systematic pathways for nurturing talent.
Shah played a pivotal role in advocating for enhanced facilities, alongside initiating talent scouting and coaching programs. His efforts during this period contributed to a notable enhancement in the state’s cricket standards, with Gujarat becoming a formidable contender in domestic cricket competitions.
This era was foundational, establishing Shah’s approach to cricket administration, which emphasizes the development of talent from the grassroots level, modernization of infrastructure, and the creation of a sustainable ecosystem for cricket.
Leading the Asian Cricket Council
In January 2021, Jay Shah assumed the role of President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), a position marked by initiatives aimed at broadening cricket’s influence throughout Asia, with a focus on developing countries. Under his guidance, the ACC has seen significant efforts to enhance the sport’s presence and accessibility in less-established cricketing nations.
This strategic direction not only aimed to elevate the game’s status across the continent but also sought to foster a more inclusive environment for emerging cricketing communities.
The effectiveness of Shah’s leadership and his commitment to the expansion of cricket in Asia have been recognized by the ACC membership.
Innovations and Initiatives
Jay Shah has significantly impacted the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) growth and global reach. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the IPL from a domestic cricket tournament into a major international sporting event with substantial economic influence.
Shah’s negotiation expertise secured record-breaking broadcasting and sponsorship deals, significantly bolstering the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) financial standing.
The 2022 IPL media rights auction, overseen by Shah, achieved a historic ₹48,390 crore ($6.2 billion) for a five-year period. This landmark deal positioned the IPL as the second most valuable sports league globally in per-match value, trailing only the US National Football League (NFL).
This accomplishment solidified Shah’s reputation as a capable administrator with a strong grasp of cricket’s commercial potential.
