Jay Shah Takes Over as ICC Chairman, A New Era for Global Cricket

Jay Shah, a prominent figure in Indian cricket administration, has been elected unopposed as the new Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). At just 35 years old, Shah is set to take the reins from outgoing chairman Greg Barclay on December 1, 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the global cricketing […]

Jay Shah, a prominent figure in Indian cricket administration, has been elected unopposed as the new Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). At just 35 years old, Shah is set to take the reins from outgoing chairman Greg Barclay on December 1, 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the global cricketing body.

Shah’s rise to this position is a testament to his influence and effectiveness within the cricketing world. As the son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah and the current Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), his leadership has already seen significant achievements, including the redevelopment of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and overseeing several high-profile tournaments.

In his new role, Shah has outlined ambitious priorities aimed at reshaping the future of cricket. One of his key objectives is to revitalize Test cricket, ensuring that it remains at the heart of the sport despite the growing popularity of shorter formats like T20. Shah believes that the long-format game is the “bedrock” of cricket and is committed to driving interest and participation in Test matches.

Additionally, Shah has pledged to allocate more resources to women’s cricket and cricket for differently-abled players. He envisions expanding the reach and visibility of these aspects of the sport, building on the ICC’s existing initiatives, such as the planned expansion of the Women’s T20 World Cup to 16 teams by 2030.

Shah also faces the challenge of navigating cricket’s return to the Olympics, set for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. His tenure will involve critical decisions that could shape the sport’s global footprint for decades to come.

Shah’s election as ICC Chairman underscores India’s growing influence in international cricket. His leadership is expected to bring both continuity and innovation, blending traditional values with modern demands, as cricket continues to evolve on the world stage. With these initiatives, Shah’s tenure promises to be one of the most transformative in recent memory.