Jay Shah officially started his role as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 1. He replaces Greg Barclay, who held the position since 2020. In his first message as Chair, Jay Shah said he plans to use cricket’s entry into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a big opportunity and aims to grow women’s cricket around the world.
“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.
“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.”
A new chapter of global cricket begins today with Jay Shah starting his tenure as ICC Chair.
— ICC (@ICC) December 1, 2024
Details: https://t.co/y8RKJEvXvl pic.twitter.com/Fse4qrRS7a
Jay Shah has a lot of experience in managing cricket. He began in 2009 with the Gujarat Cricket Association, where he helped create the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. In 2019, he became the youngest-ever Honorary Secretary of the BCCI, a position he held until becoming the ICC Chair. He has also been the President of the Asian Cricket Council and led the ICC’s Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee, showing he is a strong leader in cricket organizations.
Jay Shah begins his role as ICC Chair at a crucial moment for cricket. With the sport set to feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, there’s a great chance to engage new audiences. Meanwhile, overseeing the three formats—Test, ODI, and T20—requires careful planning to ensure the sport continues to thrive and stay balanced.
Women’s cricket, which is growing quickly, is an important part of Shah’s plans. This focus matches the ICC’s goal of being more inclusive and expanding the sport.
