Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), making history as the youngest individual to hold this prestigious position at just 35 years old. His election was announced on August 27, 2024, and he will officially take over on December 1, 2024, succeeding New Zealand’s Greg Barclay, who opted not to seek a third term. Shah, who has served as the Honorary Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) since 2019 and as the Chair of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), aims to enhance the global profile and popularity of cricket, particularly with the sport’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Congratulations to BCCI Honorary Secretary Mr. Jay Shah for being elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council.@JayShah pic.twitter.com/sKZw4mdRvi

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 27, 2024

Also READ: Jay Shah elected as the new ICC Chairman, will join office on this date

Wishes for Jay Shah pouring in from the Indian cricketing fraternity

Following the announcement of Shah’s election, numerous prominent cricketers extended their congratulations through social media, highlighting their confidence in his leadership.

Gautam Gambhir, former Indian opener and current head coach of Indian Men’s team, tweeted: “Many congrats @JayShah bhai! I know world cricket will grow tremendously under your exceptional leadership!”

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

Hardik Pandya, who played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup victory, expressed, “Congratulations @Jay Shah bhai on being elected as the youngest chairman of ICC. Look forward to seeing you take cricket to even greater heights. Your vision and drive will help ICC, just like it did with BCCI.”

Congratulations @JayShah bhai on being elected as the youngest chairman of ICC. Look forward to seeing you take cricket to even greater heights. Your vision and drive will help ICC, just like it did with BCCI. 🤗 https://t.co/IxXWaSpP1b

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) August 27, 2024

Roger Binny, the 1983 World Cup winner and current BCCI president, praised Shah as a “strong pillar” of the BCCI.

In an official statement by BCCI, he stated, “I take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Jay Shah on his appointment as the independent chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He has been a strong pillar as the BCCI Honorary Secretary and the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). He has been a cornerstone in ideating and implementing some of the pathbreaking initiatives in cricket. As he takes over as the ICC Chairman, I am sure his foresight and leadership will further enhance the reputation and well-being of our beloved game,” he said.

Anil Kumble, former Indian captain and head coach, remarked, “Jay Shah’s election as ICC Chair marks a new chapter in global cricket. Congratulations and best wishes for the journey ahead!”

.@JayShah’s election as ICC Chair marks a new chapter in global cricket. Congratulations and best wishes for the journey ahead!

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 27, 2024

Ravi Shastri, another former Indian captain, stated, “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.”

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

Rajeev Shukla, BCCI vice-president, also added to the celebration wishing Shah, “I would like to wish Mr. Jay Shah all the very best in his new role at the ICC. He has been a visionary and has taken great pride in making sure that the game of cricket reaches newer heights and reaches a wider audience. His forthright approach and astute leadership means the game of cricket will continue to prosper across the globe.”

Cheteshwar Pujara, veteran batter took to twitter and wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to @JayShah on being elected as the ICC Chair. Under your visionary leadership, cricket is set to touch new heights globally.”

Heartiest congratulations to @JayShah on being elected as the ICC Chair. Under your visionary leadership, cricket is set to touch new heights globally.

— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 27, 2024

Harbhajan Singh, former spinner, expressed confidence in Shah’s leadership, stating, “Congratulations to Secretary @BCCI Shri @Jai Shah Ji on your election, unopposed, as Chairman @ICC. Confident that the ICC will benefit from your experience of handling Indian cricket. Your leadership will guide world cricket to a new height. My best wishes.”

Congratulations to Secretary @BCCI Shri @JayShah Ji on your election, unopposed, as Chairman @ICC . Confident that the ICC will benefit from your experience of handling Indian cricket. Your leadership will guide world cricket to a new height. My best wishes

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 27, 2024

Ajinkya Rahane, senior batter, simply said, “Congratulations Jay bhai on your appointment as the ICC chairman.”

Congratulations Jay bhai @JayShah on your appointment as the ICC chairman @bcci

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 27, 2024

Anurag Thakur, former sports minister, highlighted the significance of Shah’s election, calling it “Congratulations to our BCCI Secretary, Sh. @JayShah on your new role and responsibility as the next Chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the supreme body of cricket. Your elevation as the youngest-ever cricket administrator is a moment of immense pride and celebration for all Indians, serving as a testament to India’s rise on the international stage.”

Congratulations to our BCCI Secretary, Sh. @JayShah on your new role and responsibility as the next Chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the supreme body of cricket. Your elevation as the youngest-ever cricket administrator is a moment of immense pride and…

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 27, 2024

Mohammed Siraj, India pacer, wished Shah success, saying, “A massive moment. My best wishes to @Jay Shah Sir on being elected as the new ICC chairman. May you grow to greater heights and continue doing fine work for our sport. Congratulations.”

A massive moment. My best wishes to ⁦@JayShah⁩ Sir on being elected as the new ICC chairman. May you grow to greater heights and continue doing fine work for our sport. Congratulations 🙏 pic.twitter.com/FOIXXpDf3y

— Mohammed Siraj (@mdsirajofficial) August 27, 2024

Shah’s future aspirations with ICC

In his statement after the election, Shah emphasized his commitment to working closely with the ICC and its member nations to globalize cricket further. He identified the upcoming inclusion of cricket in the Olympics as a pivotal moment for the sport’s growth and expressed optimism about driving cricket to new heights through innovative strategies and enhanced inclusivity.

Also READ: Jay Shah shares a heartfelt note marking Virat Kohli’s 16-year career in international cricket

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