Jay Shah elected unopposed as ICC chairman
Jay Shah has been chosen as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He will take over from Greg Barclay and start on December 1. No opposing nominations were filed so the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was elected without contest.
Shah, who is 35 years old, will become the ICC’s youngest leader. He will serve for three years with the possibility to extend for an additional three years. Shah must now give up his position at BCCI, which he has held since 2019.
The ICC stated that Shah was the only candidate for the Chair position and it was revealed that a few sets of nominations were submitted on his behalf. According to the regulations, the 16 current directors will submit the nominations, recommending his name. The papers do not have to be filed by the candidate.
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Shah stated his intention to enhance the worldwide presence and appeal of cricket, especially with its upcoming debut in the LA 2028 Olympics – a crucial chance for the sport to expand.
Shah expressed his humility at being nominated as the Chair of the International Cricket Council. He said he will collaborate closely with the ICC team and member nations to continue expanding the reach of cricket worldwide. “We are currently at a crucial point where it is crucial to maintain a balance between various formats, encourage the use of cutting-edge technologies, and expand our flagship events to new international markets. We aim to increase the popularity and inclusivity of cricket more than ever before,” he added.
The ICC said: “Shah’s election marks a new chapter for the ICC as it seeks to expand the game’s reach and continue its evolution on the global stage.”
Virat Kohli congratulates Jay Shah
Virat Kohli, recognized for his honesty and strong bond with the game, turned to social media to share his feelings about Shah’s new position. In a widely shared post, Kohli quickly congratulated Jay Shah on becoming ICC Chairman. “Congratulations @JayShah on your election as ICC Chairman. Your journey from BCCI secretary to this prestigious position reflects your commitment to cricket. Here’s to a new chapter in global cricket governance. Best wishes!” This short message highlights Kohli’s admiration for Shah’s rise in administration and his positive outlook on cricket’s future with Shah at the helm.
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Gangully, Mithali Raj and others send wishes
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who served as BCCI President from 2019 to 2022, also congratulated Shah via ‘X’. “Congratulations to Jay Shah @JayShah on his new role as ICC chair.. wish him a great journey ahead ..”
Mithali Raj, the former India women’s captain, wrote on ‘X’, “Congratulations, @JayShah sir, on being elected as the youngest ICC Chairman. Your vision for cricket’s global expansion and focus on making the sport more inclusive will undoubtedly elevate the game to new heights. Looking forward to seeing your influence shape the future of world cricket!”
India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah said on ‘X’, “Congratulations @JayShah bhai! Your passion for the game will ensure it’s taken to the next level. Wishing you lots of luck!”
