New ICC chairman Jay Shah. — AFP
Indian cricket chief Jay Shah commenced his role as chairman of the International Cricket Council on Sunday, expressing his eagerness to elevate the sport to 'new heights'. The son of India's influential home minister, Amit Shah, was unanimously elected by the global cricket body in August, succeeding Greg Barclay, who opted not to pursue a third term. At 36, Shah is the youngest individual to ever hold this position.
'Cricket has tremendous potential worldwide, and I am eager to collaborate closely with the ICC team and Member countries to capitalize on these opportunities and elevate the sport to new heights,' Shah stated in a release. He noted that it is an 'exciting' era for cricket, with preparations in motion for the 2028 Olympics and efforts to make the sport more inclusive and engaging for fans globally.
'We are at a pivotal moment with the coexistence of multiple formats and the imperative to expedite the growth of the women's game,' he added. From heading the world's wealthiest cricket board to leading the ICC, Shah's rapid ascent underscores India's dominance in the sport's global governance. In a nation where cricket and politics are intertwined, Shah is most recognized as the son of Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi's close ally, Amit Shah.
The ICC is the worldwide governing body for cricket, encompassing over 100 members, and is tasked with organizing global events such as the World Cup. Shah's initiation into his new role occurs at a critical juncture, with the future of next year's Champions Trophy in question after India declined to travel to host nation Pakistan. Sources within the ICC informed AFP earlier this week that discussions to resolve the dispute are still in progress.
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