GUWAHATI: Jay Shah was officially appointed as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday, December 1, making history as the youngest person to hold the position at the age of 36. Shah, elected unopposed in August, succeeds Greg Barclay of New Zealand, who completed a four-year term.
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Shah’s appointment is notable for being the third time in the last four ICC chairmanships that an Indian has held the position, following N Srinivasan (2014–15) and Shashank Manohar (2015–2020). As the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since 2019, Shah helped India reclaim its dominance in the ICC. He also chaired the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee, overseeing India's contribution to global cricket revenues.
In his first statement as ICC chairman, Shah said, "I am deeply honoured to begin my role as ICC Chair today. Cricket is a sport that unites millions across the globe, and this is a moment of immense responsibility and opportunity. As we enter a transformative phase for cricket, I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to grow the game’s global footprint and create new avenues for its development. From grassroots initiatives to marquee events, my vision is to make cricket accessible to more people while ensuring its evolution meets the aspirations of fans worldwide."
Shah’s priorities will include advancing women's cricket, and he emphasised the importance of grassroots initiatives and marquee events in shaping cricket's future, saying, ““Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the game, and I am dedicated to preserving its stature while enhancing its appeal to fans. Simultaneously, women's cricket will be a cornerstone of our growth strategy as we take the sport to new horizons.”
He also expressed gratitude for the support of the Member Boards: "I thank all Member Boards for their trust and support. Together, we will strive to take cricket to unprecedented heights, inspiring the next generation and uniting communities through our great game."
Shah’s tenure as ICC chairman will last three years. He will step down as president of the Asian Cricket Council to focus on his global responsibilities.
