Jay Shah has officially taken over as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), becoming the youngest ever to hold the position at the age of 36. Shah, who previously served as the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was elected unopposed in August and succeeds New Zealand’s Greg Barclay1.
SOURCE : ZEE
In his first statement as ICC chairman, Shah expressed his excitement and honor at the opportunity to lead the global cricketing body. “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,” Shah said2. He emphasized the potential for cricket to grow globally and his commitment to working closely with the ICC team and member countries to seize these opportunities.
Source:- bbc news
Shah’s journey in cricket administration began in 2009 with the Gujarat Cricket Association, where he played a key role in the development of the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. In 2019, he became the youngest-ever honorary secretary of the BCCI, a position in which he introduced several reforms, including the creation of the Women’s Premier League and the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme3.
As ICC chairman, Shah has outlined his priorities, which include leveraging cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and accelerating the growth of women’s cricket. “We are at a critical juncture with the coexistence of multiple formats and the need to accelerate the growth of the women’s game,” Shah said2. He also highlighted the importance of preserving the value of Test cricket while enhancing its appeal to fans.
Shah’s appointment has been met with optimism and high expectations from the cricketing community. His extensive experience and vision for the sport are seen as crucial for unlocking new revenue generation opportunities and expanding cricket’s global footprint1.
The ICC chairman’s term is now three years, and Shah will also step away from his role as the president of the Asian Cricket Council to focus on his new responsibilities. As he begins his tenure, Shah has expressed gratitude to Greg Barclay for his leadership and looks forward to working with the ICC team and member countries to sustainably expand the game’s reach and evolution on the global stage2.
With Shah at the helm, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the positive changes and growth that his leadership will bring to the sport.
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