In a historic development, Jay Shah, at just 36 years old, has become the youngest chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah, who previously served as the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), assumed the prestigious role on Sunday. His appointment marks him as the fifth Indian to head the global cricketing body, succeeding New Zealand’s Greg Barclay, whose four-year tenure concluded earlier this year.
A Legacy of Leadership
Shah’s unopposed election in August underscores his broad support within the cricketing world. Unlike his Indian predecessors—N Srinivasan (2014–15) and Shashank Manohar (2015–20)—Shah brings with him the full backing of the BCCI, a factor that significantly influences ICC decision-making. Under his leadership as BCCI secretary since 2019, India regained its stronghold in global cricket administration, playing a pivotal role in Barclay’s appointment and shaping key policies.
India’s Dominance in ICC Revenue
As the head of the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee, Shah had overseen the assessment of India’s substantial contribution to the ICC’s revenue. India is attributed to generating 85% of ICC’s earnings, out of which it retains 38.5%. This dominance stems from India’s thriving broadcast market and the unparalleled global demand for cricket. Shah’s efforts were instrumental in reintroducing cricket to the Olympics, starting with Los Angeles 2028, a milestone moment for the sport.
Shah expressed his gratitude and vision for the future:
“I am deeply honoured. Cricket is a sport that unites millions across the globe, and this is a moment of immense responsibility and opportunity. 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.”
Challenges Ahead for Shah
As Shah steps into his three-year term, he faces several pressing challenges:
- Resolving India-Pakistan Disputes
One of the thorniest issues is the ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan, who refuse to play bilateral series due to political tensions. The upcoming Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in early 2025, exemplifies this dilemma. Current resolutions suggest India’s matches may be shifted to the UAE. Shah must navigate these tensions diplomatically to ensure smooth execution of ICC tournaments. - Balancing Test Cricket and T20 Popularity
The future of Test cricket, especially outside the “Big Three” nations—India, England, and Australia—remains a concern. Smaller cricketing boards struggle to sustain Test matches due to lower revenues. Proposals like a Test match fund and increased match fees for players from smaller nations have been discussed but lack implementation. Shah’s leadership could revitalize the traditional format while capitalizing on the T20 boom. - Growing the Women’s Game
Shah highlighted the importance of expanding women’s cricket globally, aiming to enhance its visibility and competitive landscape.
“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.”
Stepping Away from the ACC
To maintain neutrality in his new position, Shah will relinquish his presidency of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
A Promising Future
The cricketing world looks to Shah to unlock new revenue streams for the ICC’s 108 member nations, including the 12 Test-playing countries. From resolving political disputes to promoting inclusivity and innovation, his tenure promises to shape cricket’s future in an increasingly globalized and competitive sports landscape.
With Shah at the helm, the ICC embarks on a new chapter poised for growth, unity, and greater global reach. His leadership is expected to not only fortify India’s standing in world cricket but also make the sport more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide.