A significant update has emerged regarding ICC Chairman Jay Shah’s visit to Pakistan ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. According to sources, Jay Shah is unlikely to visit Pakistan during the initial matches of the Champions Trophy. This implies that even when the Pakistan and New Zealand teams face off in the tournament’s opening match in Karachi on Feb 19, Jay Shah will not be present.
This development is further corroborated by the fact that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not confirmed Jay Shah’s visit to Pakistan, despite regular enquiries from the Pakistan media. Instead, ICC CEO Geoff Allardice attended the PCB’s Curtain Raiser Event in Lahore on February 16.
When questioned about Jay Shah’s potential visit to Pakistan during an interaction with Pakistani media earlier, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi sidestepped the issue providing an evasive response. On January 31, at the Gaddafi Stadium, Naqvi had told the Pakistani media that, ‘We have sent invitations to all participating cricket boards, including the BCCI. We have also sent an invitation to the ICC.’
Jay Shah, the former secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is the youngest Chairman of the ICC, having been unanimously elected on August 28, 2024. He assumed office on December 1, 2024. The reasons behind Jay Shah’s decision not to visit Pakistan are unclear at present. However, many believe that this decision may have been taken as a precautionary measure,
considering security concerns. As the son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, Jay Shah’s security is a significant concern, particularly in Pakistan.
Although the ICC has not officially commented on this matter, sources suggest that it is highly unlikely that Jay Shah will visit Pakistan during the Champions Trophy. India’s matches are being held in Dubai due to security concerns, and it is possible that Jay Shah may attend the tournament’s knockout matches in Dubai if the Indian team advances to the semifinals or finals.
The ICC’s silence on this issue may be seen as an indication that while Pakistan will host the tournament, it may not have the opportunity to host the ICC Chairman.
