Jay Shah takes over as new ICC chairman

Jay Shah takes over as new ICC chairman

Jay Shah took charge as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday, making him the fifth Indian to hold the esteemed position. Shah was the BCCI secretary for the last five years. He replaced New Zealand attorney Greg Barclay, who didn't wish to continue for a third consecutive term. Shah was the unanimous choice of ICC's Board of Directors.

Barclay was in the role from November 2020, and Shah acknowledged his contribution to ICC’s achievements over the last four years.

“I would also like to thank Greg Barclay for his leadership in the role for the past four years and the milestones achieved during that period,” Shah was quoted as saying in a media statement by the ICC.

Late Jagmohan Dalmiya, politician Sharad Pawar, lawyer Shashank Manohar, and industrialist N Srinivasan have held the position previously.

Shah is the son of India's Home Minister Amit Shah. He will have his task cut out as the ICC needs to find an acceptable solution to implement the 'Hybrid Model' for the Champions Trophy originally scheduled in Pakistan.

Shah has extensively worked before in cricket administration. His journey started in 2009 with the Gujarat Cricket Association. He joined BCCI in 2019 and became its youngest-ever Honorary Secretary.

Apart from roles in India, the 36-year-old has also served as the President of the Asian Cricket Council and as Chair of the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee.

In his first statement as ICC Chair, Shah emphasised on cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as an opportunity to accelerate the growth of the women’s game.

“This is an exciting time for the sport as we prepare for the LA28 Olympic Games and work to make cricket more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide. We are at a critical juncture with the coexistence of multiple formats and the need to accelerate the growth of the women’s game.

“Cricket holds immense potential globally, and I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to seize these opportunities and take the sport to new heights. I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and the Member countries to expand the game’s reach and evolution on the global stage,” he said.