Jay Shah, the honorary secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has recently been elected unopposed as the chair of the International Cricket Council, making him the youngest person to hold this prestigious position at the age of 35. As the son of India’s home minister, Amit Shah, Jay Shah brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the global game of cricket. He will step down from his role at the BCCI to comply with the ICC’s requirement that the chair must be independent of any board, and will officially begin his term on 1 December, taking over from Greg Barclay of New Zealand.
Barclay decided not to run for a third term, paving the way for Shah’s election as the new ICC chair. Supported by member boards such as England and Australia, Shah’s appointment signals a new era for international cricket. His enthusiasm for cricket’s return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 highlights his vision for the growth of the sport on a global scale. However, Shah faces a myriad of challenges as he assumes this critical role.
One of the pressing issues Shah will have to address is the renegotiation of the broadcast deal with Disney Star, the rights holder for the ICC’s global events. With reports suggesting a potential reduction in the current US$3 billion broadcast deal, member boards, especially those from smaller cricketing nations, rely heavily on this revenue to sustain their operations. The distribution of funds to boards like India, England, and Australia, known as the „Big Three,“ has been a contentious issue in the past, and Shah will need to navigate these negotiations carefully.
Furthermore, the landscape of cricket is evolving rapidly, with the rise of privately owned franchise leagues posing a challenge to international cricket. These leagues offer lucrative deals to players, often conflicting with national team commitments. India, in particular, has restricted its players from participating in franchise T20 tournaments other than the Indian Premier League, but this model may not be sustainable in the long run. Shah will need to find a balance between the demands of franchise leagues and international cricket to ensure the sport’s integrity and growth.
In addition to these challenges, Shah will also need to address the overcrowded schedule in men’s cricket and work on developing a future tours programme that is sustainable for players. The World Cricketers‘ Association has raised concerns about the lack of leadership from the ICC in this regard, highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy to manage player workload and prioritize player welfare.
Despite these challenges, Shah’s tenure at the BCCI has been marked by significant advancements in women’s cricket and a renewed focus on red-ball cricket in the men’s game. His support for a global Test fund to incentivize players and support smaller boards is a step in the right direction towards preserving the traditional format of the game. As Shah takes on the role of ICC chair, he will undoubtedly bring his passion for the sport and his strategic vision to navigate the complex landscape of international cricket.