In a significant development for the world of cricket, former India captain Virat Kohli extended his best wishes to BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who has been elected as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Kohli’s congratulatory message came on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, just a day after the ICC officially confirmed Shah’s appointment, which will take effect from December 1, 2024.
Jay Shah, who is currently 35 years old, is set to become the youngest chairman in the history of the ICC. He will take over the reins from Greg Barclay, whose tenure ends in November 2024. Barclay, who served as the ICC chair for two consecutive terms, announced earlier this month that he would not be seeking a third term. This paved the way for Shah’s unanimous election to one of the most prestigious positions in global cricket administration.
Virat Kohli Congratulates Jay Shah on Becoming the Youngest ICC Chairman
Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share his excitement and pride in Shah’s new role. In his post, Kohli wrote, “Many congratulations @JayShah on being elected as the ICC chairman. Wishing you great success ahead.” Kohli’s message reflects the widespread admiration and support for Shah, not only within India but also across the international cricketing community.
Shah’s appointment as ICC chairman marks a new chapter in Indian cricket’s influence on the global stage. He follows in the footsteps of four other prominent Indians who have previously held the position: Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar. Each of these leaders has played a crucial role in shaping the direction of the ICC and the sport of cricket at large.
Jay Shah’s tenure as ICC chairman comes at a pivotal time for the sport. As the youngest person to assume this role, Shah brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience from his time as BCCI secretary. Under his leadership, the BCCI has seen considerable success, and Shah has been instrumental in numerous initiatives aimed at promoting and expanding cricket both within India and internationally.
One of Shah’s key commitments as the incoming ICC chairman is to further the global expansion of cricket. He has already outlined his vision for the sport’s future, emphasizing the importance of taking cricket to new markets and audiences. A significant part of this vision includes cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, a move that has the potential to elevate the sport’s global profile and attract new fans from around the world.
Shah’s vision is expected to focus on enhancing the sport’s appeal across different regions, making cricket more accessible and engaging for a broader audience. This includes efforts to introduce the game to countries where it has traditionally had a smaller footprint, as well as fostering the development of the sport in emerging cricket nations.
As Shah prepares to take on his new role, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the impact he will have on the sport’s future. His youth and dynamic approach are seen as significant assets that could bring about innovative changes and drive the sport’s growth in exciting new directions.
Virat Kohli’s public endorsement of Shah’s election reflects the strong bond between Indian cricket’s top players and its administrators. Kohli, who has always been vocal about his passion for the game and its growth, is likely to be a key figure in supporting Shah’s initiatives during his tenure as ICC chairman.
In the months leading up to his official start date on December 1, 2024, Jay Shah will undoubtedly be working closely with current ICC officials and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and to begin laying the groundwork for his ambitious plans. The cricketing world watches with anticipation as a new era dawns under Shah’s leadership, with hopes that his tenure will bring continued success and innovation to the sport globally.
As the cricket fraternity congratulates Jay Shah on his election, there is a sense of optimism about what lies ahead. With the support of influential figures like Virat Kohli and the backing of the BCCI, Shah is well-positioned to lead the ICC into a new era of growth and global prominence.
