Jay Shah becomes the youngest ICC Chairman

Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and will officially take office on December 1, 2024. At the age of 35, Shah is set to become the youngest individual to lead the ICC, marking a significant moment in the organization’s history. His election follows the decision of the current Chair, Greg Barclay, not to seek a third term, leaving Shah as the sole candidate for the role. Shah’s appointment is notable not only for his youth but also for his extensive experience in cricket administration. Since October 2019, he has served as the Honorary Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), where he has been a key figure in shaping the administration and operations of Indian cricket. Additionally, Shah has held the position of Chair of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) since January 2021, where he has been instrumental in promoting and developing cricket across Asia.

His track record in these roles highlights his capability and vision for the future of international cricket. As the ICC’s Independent Chair, Shah will be expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the governance of global cricket, building on the progress made by his predecessors. His election reflects a continuing trend towards dynamic leadership in cricket administration, aiming to enhance the sport's global reach and organizational efficiency.

“I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council. I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalize cricket," Jay Shah told ICC.

Jay Shah, who will assume the role of Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 1, 2024, has articulated a forward-looking vision for cricket. He emphasizes the importance of balancing various formats of the game, leveraging technological advancements, and expanding cricket's global presence. A key challenge and opportunity during his tenure will be the potential inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, which Shah considers a pivotal moment for the sport's development. He believes that participating in the Olympics could significantly boost cricket's global profile and popularity.

Shah's election underscores India's continued influence within ICC leadership. As he steps into this prominent role, he becomes the fifth individual from India to head the global cricket body, following the leadership of Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N. Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar. Each of these predecessors has contributed to shaping the ICC's direction, and Shah’s appointment continues this legacy of strong Indian representation. His leadership is anticipated to bring new energy and perspectives to the ICC, further advancing the sport on an international scale.

"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. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before,” he added.