BCCI Secretary Jay Shah elected to lead ICC from December 1st
The cricket association declared on August 20 that Greg Barclay, the current ICC Chair, would not run for a third term and would stand down in November.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, the secretary of the BCCI, was chosen for the position of Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC) without facing any opposition, making him the youngest ever to reach the pinnacle of global cricket administration at the age of 35. On December 1, 2024, he will assume leadership of the ICC as its chairman.
The cricket association declared on August 20 that Greg Barclay, the current ICC Chair, would not run for a third term and would stand down in November. In an announcement from the cricket authority, Shah—the only candidate for the chairmanship—emphasized his dedication to growing cricket’s appeal and worldwide reach, particularly in light of the sport’s impending inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council,” Shah stated. “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,” he added.
“While we will build on the valuable lessons learned, we must also embrace fresh thinking and innovation to elevate the love for cricket worldwide. The inclusion of our sport in the Olympics at LA 2028 represents a significant inflection point for the growth of cricket, and I am confident that it will drive the sport forward in unprecedented ways,” Shah said.
BCCI president Roger Binny and India head coach Gautam Gambhir were among those who congratulated Shah after the news. The 1983 World Cup champion Binny considered Shah to be a “strong pillar” of the BCCI.
“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),” Binny said.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah’s Visionary Leadership Recognized Worldwide
Gambhir, who has taken over as head coach from Rahul Dravid, said: “Many congrats @JayShah bhai! I know world cricket will grow tremendously under your exceptional leadership!”
“Congratulations to BCCI Honorary Secretary Mr. Jay Shah for being elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council,” the BCCI posted in its official ‘X’, formerly twitter, handle.
Pandya, who played a pivotal role in India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph wrote: “Congratulations @Jay Shah bhai on being elected as the youngest chairman of ICC.
“Look forward to seeing you take cricket to even greater heights. Your vision and drive will help ICC, just like it did with BCCI.”
Former Indian captain and head coach Anil Kumble said: “Jay Shah’s election as ICC Chair marks a new chapter in global cricket. Congratulations and best wishes for the journey ahead!” Ravi Shastri, another former Indian captain and head coach, said: “Congratulations to @JayShah on being elected unopposed as ICC Chairman—the youngest ever at just 35! His experience running @BCCI will undoubtedly serve him well.
BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla added: “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.”
Veteran batter Cheteshwar Pujara wrote in his ‘X’ handle: “Heartiest congratulations to @JayShah on being elected as the ICC Chair. Under your visionary leadership, cricket is set to touch new heights globally.” Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh too hailed Shah’s appointment.
“Congratulations to Secretary @BCCI Shri @Jai Shah Ji on your election, unopposed, as Chairman @ICC. Confident that the ICC will benefit from your experience of handling Indian cricket. Your leadership will guide world cricket to a new height. My best wishes.”
Senior batter Ajinkya Rahane said: “Congratulations Jay bhai on your appointment as the ICC chairman.”
Former sports minister and BCCI administrator Anurag Thakur too congratulated Shah on his new role.
“Congratulations to our BCCI Secretary, Sh. @JayShah on your new role and responsibility as the next Chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the supreme body of cricket.
“Your elevation as the youngest-ever cricket administrator is a moment of immense pride and celebration for all Indians, serving as a testament to India’s rise in world cricket,“ he said.
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