Jay Shah Appointed International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman

Jay Shah was officially appointed as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday, December 1, becoming the youngest person to ever hold the position at just 36 years old. Shah, who was elected unopposed in August, succeeds Greg Barclay of New Zealand, who served a four-year term.

This marks the third time in the last four ICC chairmanships that an Indian has taken the helm, following N. Srinivasan (2014–15) and Shashank Manohar (2015–2020). Since 2019, Shah has served as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), playing a key role in reinforcing India’s leadership within the ICC. He also chaired the ICC Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee, where he oversaw India’s significant contribution to global cricket revenues.

In his first statement as ICC chairman, Shah said, I am deeply honoured to begin my role as ICC Chair today. Cricket is a sport that unites millions across the globe, and this is a moment of immense responsibility and opportunity. As we enter a transformative phase for cricket, I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to grow the game’s global footprint and create new avenues for its development. From grassroots initiatives to marquee events, my vision is to make cricket accessible to more people while ensuring its evolution meets the aspirations of fans worldwide.

Jay Shah has outlined his priorities as ICC chairman, emphasizing the growth of women’s cricket and the importance of grassroots initiatives and marquee events in shaping the sport’s future. He stated, “Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the game, and I am committed to preserving its stature while enhancing its appeal to fans. At the same time, women’s cricket will be a cornerstone of our growth strategy as we take the sport to new horizons.”

Expressing gratitude for the support of the Member Boards, Shah said, I thank all Member Boards for their trust and support. Together, we will work to elevate cricket to unprecedented heights, inspiring the next generation and uniting communities through this great game.

Shah’s tenure as ICC chairman will span three years. To focus on his global responsibilities, he will step down as president of the Asian Cricket Council.