Jay Shah, the newly elected chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), made his first official visit to the ICC headquarters in Dubai on Thursday. Shah met with ICC Board Directors and staff to outline his vision for the future of cricket and discuss strategies for the sport’s global growth.
Shah described the visit as both “productive and inspiring” and acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead. “This visit provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with my colleagues on the ICC Board and the dedicated ICC team. While I am encouraged by what I’ve seen, I recognise that this is just the beginning. The hard work to elevate cricket to unprecedented heights starts now,” he said.
During the visit, Shah highlighted his key priorities for his tenure, focusing on leveraging cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and accelerating the growth of the women’s game. “This is an exciting time for the sport as we prepare for LA28 and work to make cricket more inclusive and engaging for fans worldwide,” Shah stated. He also emphasized the need to balance multiple formats of the game while expanding cricket’s global footprint.
Imran Khwaja, ICC Deputy Chairman, praised Shah’s vision and experience. “Shah’s ambition and professionalism will be instrumental in guiding the ICC and the sport into the future. We are excited to work alongside him to achieve success,” Khwaja said.
Shah’s appointment marks a significant moment for global cricket governance. He began his administrative career in 2009 with the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA), where he oversaw the development of the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad. In 2019, he joined the BCCI as its youngest-ever honorary secretary, earning recognition for his leadership and administrative skills.
In August 2024, Shah was elected unopposed as ICC chairman after his predecessor, Greg Barclay, decided not to seek a third term. Shah acknowledged Barclay’s contributions, saying, “I thank Greg Barclay for his leadership over the past four years and the milestones achieved during that period. I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and Member countries to expand the game’s reach on the global stage.”
Shah shared his enthusiasm about the visit on social media, writing, “A great start at the @ICC HQ connecting with my colleagues on the Board and the ICC team. Let the work begin!” His focus on collaboration with the ICC team and Member Boards is aimed at ensuring cricket’s sustained growth.