Jay Shah has been elected as the new chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC), making history as the youngest individual to assume this prestigious role. Shah, who turns 36 next month, will officially take office on December 1, 2024, succeeding Greg Barclay, who decided against seeking a third term. Shah's unopposed election reflects his rising influence in the cricketing world, having already served as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and as Chairperson of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Shah's vision includes expanding cricket's global reach, with a focus on the sport's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics.

Jay Shah Elected as ICC Chairperson

Youngest Leader in ICC History: Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the new chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC). This significant appointment will see Shah, who turns 36 next month, become the youngest chairperson in the history of the ICC when he officially assumes the role on December 1, 2024. Shah's rise marks a new chapter in the global administration of cricket.
Unopposed Election: Shah’s election came without contest as the current ICC chairperson, Greg Barclay, opted not to seek a third term. This smooth transition of power highlights Shah's growing stature within the cricketing community and sets the stage for his leadership on the international stage.

Shah’s Cricketing Pedigree and Vision

Experienced Leadership: Jay Shah brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as the honorary secretary for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since October 2019 and as the chairperson for the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) since January 2021. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping cricket’s direction in Asia, and his election to the ICC is seen as a natural progression of his influence in the sport.
Focus on Global Expansion: In his first statement following the election, Shah expressed his commitment to enhancing cricket’s global profile. He emphasized the need to balance the sport's multiple formats, embrace advanced technologies, and introduce marquee events to new markets. Shah's vision is to globalize cricket further and make it more accessible and popular worldwide.

The Olympic Milestone and Future Aspirations

Cricket in the Olympics: Shah highlighted the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a pivotal moment for the sport’s global expansion. He believes this development will drive cricket to new heights, offering an unparalleled opportunity to showcase the sport on one of the world’s largest stages. This inclusion is seen as a significant step in making cricket a truly global sport.
Legacy of Outgoing Chairperson Greg Barclay: Greg Barclay, who has served as the ICC Chair since November 2020, confirmed last week that he would not pursue a third term, concluding his tenure on November 30. Barclay’s decision paved the way for Shah’s unopposed election. Under ICC rules, a chairperson is eligible for three terms of two years each, and Barclay’s tenure will be remembered for steering cricket through a period of global challenges.

Shah Joins a Legacy of Indian ICC Leaders

Continuing India’s Influence: Jay Shah’s election marks him as the fifth Indian to head the ICC, following in the footsteps of cricketing luminaries such as Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N. Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar. His leadership is expected to continue India’s significant influence in the global cricketing arena, bringing fresh perspectives to the sport’s governance.