Jay Shah Becomes Youngest ICC Chairman At 35, Becomes Fifth Indian To Head Global Cricketing Body

New Delhi: BCCI secretary Jay Shah was elected unopposed on Tuesday as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), thus becoming the youngest person to lead the global cricket governing body. Shah will succeed Greg Barclay, who chose not to seek a third term and will assume his position on December 1, 2024. Shah also became the youngest ICC chairman at 35 and the fifth Indian to take the role at the ICC after Late Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar to take up the role.

Recently, the ICC stated that an election for chairman would be held if multiple candidates competed for the post. Later on Tuesday, it was learnt that Jay Shah was the only one preparing for that position.

Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the ICC.https://t.co/Len6DO9xlE

— ICC (@ICC) August 27, 2024

“Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah, who has served as the BCCI Honorary Secretary since October 2019 and Chair of the Asian Cricket Council since January 2021, will assume this prestigious role on December 1, 2024. Shah was the sole nominee for the chairmanship after current Chair Greg Barclay decided not to seek a third term,” the ICC said in a statement.

Shah emphasised his commitment to expanding the global reach and popularity of cricket, especially with its upcoming inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before,” Shah stated.

“I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalize cricket. We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to new global markets,” he added.

“While we will build on the valuable lessons learned, we must also embrace fresh thinking and innovation to elevate the love for cricket worldwide. The inclusion of our sport in the Olympics at LA 2028 represents a significant inflection point for the growth of cricket, and I am confident that it will drive the sport forward in unprecedented ways.”

With Shah going to the ICC, his position at the BCCI becomes vacant. While the names of DDCA president Rohan Jaitley, BCCI office bearers Rajeev Shukla, Arun Dhumal are doing rounds to replace Shah as the BCCI secretary, it remains to be seen who sits on the most powerful chair in Indian cricket.