The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Jay Shah, has been elected as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah’s appointment was confirmed on August 27, the final day for nominations. With no other candidates in the fray, Shah was elected unopposed, solidifying his position at the helm of world cricket.
Jay Shah’s election received overwhelming support from the ICC board members, with 15 out of 16 members backing his nomination. Notably, even the cricket boards of England and Australia, two of the most influential cricketing nations, threw their weight behind Shah. However, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chose not to support Shah, neither voting against him nor in his favor, a move that could have potential ramifications for upcoming cricketing events.
The election of Jay Shah as ICC chairman follows the decision of the outgoing chairman, Greg Barclay, to step down after completing two consecutive terms. The ICC had opened the nomination process for the position, and with Shah emerging as the only candidate, his election was a foregone conclusion.
While Shah’s election has been widely accepted, the PCB’s stance has raised eyebrows, especially in the context of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan. With India’s participation in the tournament still uncertain due to ongoing political tensions, the PCB’s decision not to support Shah could complicate matters further. The tournament might need to be held in a hybrid format, with some matches potentially being played outside Pakistan, especially with Shah now at the top of the ICC hierarchy.
Jay Shah’s new role as ICC chairman will officially begin on December 1, and his leadership is expected to shape the future direction of international cricket. His appointment marks a significant achievement for Indian cricket, further strengthening its influence on the global stage.
