BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the new Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), marking a significant milestone in the history of global cricket administration. Shah, who is set to take over on December 1, becomes the fifth Indian to assume this prestigious role, following the footsteps of Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.
At 35, Shah is the youngest Indian to reach this position, succeeding New Zealand’s Greg Barclay, who decided not to seek a third term. Shah, the son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will step down from his role as BCCI Secretary at the upcoming BCCI Annual General Meeting, expected later this year.
Shah’s rise in cricket administration has been swift since his appointment as BCCI Secretary in 2019. He was the sole nominee for the ICC chairmanship, and his election was widely anticipated, given his influential role in the BCCI, the world’s wealthiest cricket board, which contributes over 75% of the ICC’s revenue.
A key factor in Shah’s unopposed election was the support he received from the powerful SENA cricket boards (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), with one nominating him and another seconding the nomination.
Shah’s leadership will coincide with cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a development he is committed to leveraging to expand the global reach and popularity of the sport. He has emphasized the importance of balancing multiple formats, promoting advanced technologies, and introducing cricket to new markets.
The immediate challenge for Shah as ICC Chairman will be overseeing the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Shah, who supported the Hybrid Model for the 2023 Asia Cup, where Pakistan and Sri Lanka co-hosted matches, may have to navigate complex geopolitical issues, particularly concerning India’s participation in Pakistan. The Hybrid Model, where Pakistan plays its home matches and faces India in Dubai, could be a potential solution.
Long-term, Shah’s focus will include protecting the future of Test cricket by ensuring dedicated funds for the format, maintaining the sustainability of ODIs, and safeguarding countries from losing talent to T20 leagues worldwide. Additionally, Shah will aim to develop a cricket calendar that balances player workloads while offering financial incentives, a crucial aspect as cricket continues to evolve.
Another significant challenge for Shah will be promoting cricket at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, marking the sport’s debut at the Games. His tenure as ICC Chairman will be closely watched as he navigates these challenges while shaping the future of global cricket.
Shah’s election as ICC Chairman represents a new chapter in cricket’s global governance, with expectations high for his leadership in expanding and modernizing the sport on the international stage.
