Jay Shah has been elected as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), marking a historic moment as he becomes the youngest person to ever hold this position at just 35 years old.
Shah will officially assume the role on December 1, taking over from Greg Barclay after an unopposed election, as no other candidates were nominated.
Jay Shah has been a significant figure in cricket administration, serving as Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since 2019.
With his new responsibilities at the ICC, he will step down from his BCCI role to focus entirely on his duties as the ICC Chairman.
His tenure is set for three years, with the option of extending it to an additional three years. The ICC confirmed that his election was unanimous, with the 16 current directors backing his nomination.
As he steps into this influential role, Shah’s priorities will include appointing a new Independent Female Director for the ICC, following the end of Indra Nooyi’s term, and addressing Disney Star’s request to renegotiate a significant $3 billion broadcast agreement.
Shah is also tasked with ensuring a smooth transition at the BCCI by selecting a successor for his previous position as the chairman of India’s apex cricketing board.
“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. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before.” he stated after being elected as ICC Chairman.
In a statement, Shah expressed his dedication to elevate cricket’s global presence, especially as the sport prepares for its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The ICC lauded Shah’s election, viewing it as a pivotal moment in cricket’s ongoing evolution.