Jay Shah officially assumed the role of Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 1, ushering in a new era in global cricket governance. He takes over from Greg Barclay, who held the position since November 2020. In his first statement as ICC Chair, Shah shared his vision for the future, highlighting the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a pivotal opportunity to bring positive changes and help in empowering women’s cricket.

Jay Shah’s Vision

“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. “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.” said Shah

Women’s Cricket: Priority For Jay Shah

Shah’s appointment comes at a very opportune moment for global cricket. Given the sport’s entry into the LA28 Olympics, there is scope for it to expand its footprint, but managing multiple formats – Test, ODI, and T20—demands strategic leadership. Another major focus area will be women’s cricket as Shah goes along with the vision of the ICC for growth, inclusivity, and more prominent presence in the cricketing world.

“I would like to thank Greg Barclay for his leadership in the role for the past four years and the milestones achieved during that period,”  Shah expressed his gratitude towards Greg Barclay