December 1, 2024:
Jay Shah has officially assumed the role of Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 1, 2024, ushering in a new era for global cricket administration. The former Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) takes the helm during a period of significant challenges and opportunities, particularly with ongoing tensions between Pakistan and India over the venue for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
As reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly ready to accept a "hybrid" hosting model for the Champions Trophy, following recommendations from the ICC. However, there has been no official confirmation on the hosting rights for the tournament, which has led to heightened friction between the two cricketing giants, who are embroiled in a dispute over where the prestigious event will be played.
Shah succeeds Greg Barclay, who held the position since November 2020, and in his first statement as ICC Chair, he laid out a bold vision for the future of the sport. Shah highlighted the inclusion of cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games as a defining moment for the sport’s global growth. Additionally, he stressed the need to accelerate the development of women's cricket, aiming to make the game more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide.
"I am honoured to take on the role of ICC Chair and grateful for the support and trust of the ICC Directors and Member Boards," Shah said in a statement. "This is an exciting time for the sport as we prepare for the LA28 Olympic Games and work to make cricket more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide. We are at a critical juncture with the coexistence of multiple formats and the need to accelerate the growth of the women's game. Cricket holds immense potential globally, and I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to seize these opportunities and take the sport to new heights."
Shah's appointment comes at a time when global cricket is at a crossroads. The sport is grappling with the balance between tradition and innovation, with different formats of the game evolving and competing for attention. The ICC's push for a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy in 2025 reflects the growing complexities of modern cricket, particularly when it comes to aligning the interests of various national boards.
A veteran in cricket administration, Shah’s career spans over a decade of leadership roles. His journey began with the Gujarat Cricket Association in 2009, where he played an instrumental role in the construction of the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. In 2019, he became the youngest-ever Honorary Secretary of the BCCI and later served as President of the Asian Cricket Council. Shah also chaired the ICC's Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee, giving him an extensive background in steering major cricketing organizations.
As the new ICC Chair, Shah's leadership will likely be crucial in navigating these delicate geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing Champions Trophy dispute, while steering the sport towards greater global engagement and development.