The ICC highlighted Jay Shah’s enthusiasm for the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, calling it a “significant turning point” for cricket’s expansion.
Jay Shah, the Honorary Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has ascended to a pivotal position in the global cricketing arena, taking on the role of Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Shah, who was elected unopposed, steps into this significant role at the age of 35, making him the youngest person to ever chair the ICC.
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As the son of India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, Jay Shah’s rise in the cricketing world has been meteoric. He will officially begin his tenure on December 1, following the conclusion of Greg Barclay’s four-year leadership. Barclay, from New Zealand, decided not to seek a third term, paving the way for Shah’s elevation, which has garnered substantial support from ICC member boards.
Shah’s election is also timely, as his term as BCCI Secretary was nearing its conclusion. His transition to the ICC, supported by influential cricket boards from England and Australia, marks the start of a three-year term in this new global leadership role.
Shah steps into the chairmanship at a crucial juncture for cricket. The ICC highlighted his enthusiasm for the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, calling it a “significant turning point” for cricket’s expansion. However, his responsibilities extend far beyond a single event.
One pressing issue on Shah’s agenda involves the ongoing negotiations with Disney Star, the holder of ICC’s broadcasting rights, which is reportedly seeking a reduction in the $3 billion deal for the current four-year cycle. The revenue from this deal is distributed among ICC member boards, with India, England, and Australia receiving the largest shares. While these funds bolster the “Big Three” cricketing nations, they are vital for the survival of smaller cricket boards around the world.
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Another challenge facing Shah is the complex global cricket landscape, where privately-owned franchise leagues are increasingly competing with international cricket. These leagues, offering lucrative contracts, are attracting top players and challenging the authority of national selectors. India has managed to shield its players from this trend by restricting participation in overseas franchise T20 leagues, limiting them to the Indian Premier League.
This issue is especially pressing in men’s cricket, where the crowded international schedule is under strain. The next Future Tours Programme, set to begin in 2027, is currently under discussion. Additionally, the World Cricketers’ Association, which represents leading player unions (excluding India), has formed a committee to address the growing concerns over the lack of leadership from the ICC in managing these conflicts.
During his five-year tenure at the BCCI, Shah has played a crucial role in the professionalization of women’s cricket in India, notably through the establishment of the Women’s Premier League. He has also been an advocate for enhancing red-ball cricket in the men’s game, allocating additional funds to reward top Test players.
Jay Shah has recently expressed support for the creation of a global Test fund, which would supplement match fees—reportedly around $10,000 per player per match—for smaller cricket boards. This initiative aims to prevent the exodus of talent to T20 leagues. The future of this fund, along with much of international cricket, will depend on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations between the ICC and Disney Star.
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