Indian cricket fraternity celebrates Jay Shah's appointment as ICC chairman
What's the story
Jay Shah, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, has been elected unopposed as the new Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He will officially assume his new role on December 1, succeeding Greg Barclay. This significant development has sparked a wave of congratulatory messages from prominent figures within the Indian cricket community.
High hopes
Gambhir, Pandya express confidence in Shah's leadership
Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and all-rounder Hardik Pandya were among the first to extend their best wishes to Shah. Gambhir expressed his belief that world cricket would flourish under Shah's exceptional leadership. Similarly, Pandya congratulated Shah on becoming the youngest ICC chairman and stated his anticipation for seeing him elevate cricket to new heights.
Twitter Post
Gambhir commemorates Shah's appointment
Many congrats @JayShah bhai! I know world cricket will grow tremendously under your exceptional leadership! pic.twitter.com/4AubdEq8Cj
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 27, 2024
Widespread applause
Siraj, Karthik, and others join in congratulatory messages
Team India pacer Mohammed Siraj shared a heartfelt message for Shah, expressing his best wishes and commending his fine work for the sport. The likes of Dinesh Karthik, Smriti Mandhana, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Ravi Shastri also joined the chorus of congratulations for the new ICC chairman. This widespread recognition underscores Shah's significant influence within the cricketing community.
Twitter Post
Shah will work tirelessly: Ravi Shastri
Congratulations to @JayShah on being elected unopposed as ICC Chairman—the youngest ever at just 35! His experience running @BCCI will undoubtedly serve him well. The cricket community can be rest assured that Jay will work tirelessly to help World Cricket and @ICC to realize… https://t.co/GlZRS22R1u
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 27, 2024
Shah
Shah becomes youngest-ever ICC chairman
Shah, who became the BCCI secretary in 2019, is tipped as a potential successor to Barclay. Also the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman since January 2021, Shah is considered one of cricket administration's most influential figures. At age 35, he has become the youngest-ever chairman of the global cricket body. Shah replaces Barclay, who will step down from his position in November.
Statement
Humbled by the nomination: Jay Shah
"I am humbled by the nomination as the ICC chairman," Shah stated as per an ICC release. "I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations. We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to global markets."