Jay Shah Assumes ICC Chairmanship, Sets Focus on Olympics and Women’s Cricket Growth
Jay Shah officially began his tenure as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 1, 2024. In his inaugural address, Shah laid out his vision for cricket’s future, highlighting key priorities such as leveraging the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and accelerating the growth of women’s cricket worldwide.
“I am deeply honored to assume the role of ICC Chair and extend my gratitude to the ICC Directors and Member Boards for their trust and support,” Shah stated. He described this moment as transformative for cricket, emphasizing the immense opportunities presented by the Olympics and the need to expand women’s cricket globally.
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Shah also underscored the growing potential of cricket across all formats, expressing his dedication to collaborating with ICC Member countries to drive the sport forward. “Cricket is at a critical juncture, and together we can elevate it to unprecedented heights,” he added.
Shah’s tenure begins amidst escalating tensions between Pakistan and India’s cricket boards over the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy hosting arrangements. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has firmly rejected the proposed “hybrid model,” which suggests splitting matches between Pakistan and a neutral venue. Instead, the PCB insists on full hosting rights. Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has refused to send its team to Pakistan, citing security and political concerns.
Jay Shah’s appointment follows the decision of outgoing ICC Chair Greg Barclay to step down after completing his tenure in November, choosing not to seek a third term.
With a vision centered on global expansion, Olympic opportunities, and empowering women’s cricket, Shah’s leadership aims to navigate cricket through both opportunities and challenges in the coming years.
