In a historic move, Jay Shah has been unanimously appointed as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), becoming the youngest individual to ever hold this prestigious position. His tenure, which will last for two years, marks a significant milestone in the governance of international cricket. Shah’s appointment has been met with widespread approval, particularly from key figures in the cricketing world.
Track Record of Success at BCCI
Johnny Grave, the CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI), spoke candidly about why Shah was the ideal candidate for the role.
He pointed to Shah’s exemplary track record as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
During his tenure, Shah successfully managed and oversaw several major cricketing events, including the 2023 ODI World Cup.
He also played a pivotal role in negotiating lucrative broadcast deals for the Indian Premier League (IPL) and India’s bilateral series, which have significantly boosted the financial stability and growth of Indian cricket.
Shah’s leadership was further demonstrated by the successful launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), a move that has brought much-needed attention to women’s cricket.
This initiative was widely regarded as a masterstroke, setting a new standard for the promotion of the women’s game globally.
Jay Shah Thanks Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Others for Congratulating Him
Challenges Ahead: Reviving Test Cricket
While Shah’s achievements have been lauded, there are pressing challenges ahead, particularly the revival of Test cricket.
The format has seen a decline in popularity, especially among teams outside the top tier. Addressing this issue will be a key focus of Shah’s tenure at the ICC.
Notably, during his time at BCCI, Shah introduced the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme,’ which provided additional income for players participating in Test matches.
This initiative was implemented after India’s victory over England in Dharamsala in March 2024, signalling Shah’s commitment to preserving the traditional format of the game.
The cricketing community is optimistic that Shah will bring the same level of innovation and leadership to the ICC that he demonstrated at the BCCI.
His ability to negotiate and secure deals, combined with his vision for the future of cricket, makes him a promising leader for the global cricketing body.
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