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- By Gurmeet Batra
- Sun, 01 Dec 2024 01:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Jay Shah on Sunday officially took charge as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), becoming the fifth Indian to head the global body.
The 36-year-old Shah, who was the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary for the last five years, was the unanimous choice of ICC's Board of Directors and replaced New Zealand attorney Greg Barclay, who didn't wish to continue for a third consecutive term.
In his first statement as ICC Chair, Jay Shah shared his vision for the future of cricket. He emphasized the significance of cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, viewing it as a pivotal moment that can transform the sport.
"I am honoured to take on the role of ICC Chair and grateful for the support and trust of the ICC Directors and Member Boards," Shah said in a statement by ICC.
"This is an exciting time for the sport as we prepare for the LA28 Olympic Games and work to make cricket more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide.
"We are at a critical juncture with the coexistence of multiple formats and the need to accelerate the growth of the women's game. Cricket holds immense potential globally, and I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to seize these opportunities and take the sport to new heights."
The former BCCI secretary, the son of India's Home Minister Amit Shah, will have his task cut out as the ICC needs to find an acceptable solution to implement the 'Hybrid Model' for the Champions Trophy originally scheduled in Pakistan.
Shah became the youngest-ever Honorary Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), a position he held with distinction. He later stepped down from this role to take on a new challenge at the International Cricket Council (ICC).
