New Delhi: The cricketing community in India extended its warmest regards to the newly elected Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Jay Shah, on Tuesday.
Jay Shah has been unanimously selected to serve as the next Chairman of the ICC. With a background that includes his tenure as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since October 2019 and his role as the Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council since January 2021, Shah is poised to assume this distinguished position on December 1, 2024.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya expressed his congratulations on social media platforms following Jay Shah's elevation to the ICC Chairmanship.
"Congratulations @JayShah bhai on your election as the youngest Chairman of ICC. I am eagerly looking forward to witnessing your contributions to elevate cricket to new heights. Your vision and determination will undoubtedly benefit the ICC, just as it has with BCCI," Pandya shared on X.
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri also extended his appreciation for Jay Shah's appointment as the ICC Chairman.
"Congratulations to @JayShah on being elected unopposed as ICC Chairman--the youngest at just 35 years old! His tenure at BCCI will undoubtedly equip him well for this role. The cricketing world can be assured that under Jay's leadership, World Cricket and ICC will achieve their utmost potential and ascend to greater heights," Shastri conveyed in a post on X.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh offered his heartfelt best wishes to Jay Shah following his induction into the ICC Chairmanship.
"Congratulations to Secretary @BCCI @JayShahJi on your election, unopposed, as Chairman @ICC. I am confident that the ICC will derive significant benefits from your expertise in managing Indian cricket. Your leadership will steer world cricket towards unprecedented success," Harbhajan shared on X.
Young Indian opener Shubman Gill extended his congratulations to Jay Shah on his new role.
"All the Best to Jay Shah on his appointment as Chairman of the ICC. Wishing you all the success in your endeavors," Gill expressed on X.
Men in Blue head coach, Gautam Gambhir, also extended his congratulations to Jay Shah.
"Many congrats @JayShah bhai! I am certain that under your exceptional leadership, world cricket will experience remarkable growth," Gambhir conveyed on X.
Jay Shah has been elected as the sole candidate for the position of Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC), following the decision of the incumbent Chair, Greg Barclay, to not seek a third term. This decision was announced in a media release by the ICC.
Upon his election, Shah articulated his ambition to enhance the international appeal and recognition of cricket, especially in light of its forthcoming inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics, which he views as a pivotal moment for the sport's development.
"I am deeply honored to have been nominated for the Chair of the International Cricket Council," Shah expressed, as reported by the ICC.
"My commitment is unwavering to collaborate closely with the ICC team and our member nations in the global expansion of cricket. We find ourselves at a critical juncture where it is essential to strike a balance between the coexistence of various formats, encourage the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and introduce our premier events to new international audiences. Our objective is to elevate cricket to a level of inclusivity and popularity that has never been seen before," Shah further stated.
"While we will build upon the valuable insights gained, it is imperative that we also welcome innovative thinking and fresh approaches to further enhance the global love for cricket. The inclusion of our sport in the Olympics in Los Angeles represents a significant turning point for the advancement of cricket, and I am confident that it will propel the sport forward in ways we have not yet imagined," Shah concluded.
Jay Shah becomes the youngest individual to lead the ICC. His election also places him among the distinguished group of leaders who have previously led the ICC, including Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar. Shah's election heralds a new era for the ICC as it seeks to broaden the game's reach and continue its evolution on the global stage.