Why BCCI Secretary Jay Shah's appointment as ICC Chairman is significant for cricket's future?

On Tuesday, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah was elected unopposed as the next Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The 35-year-old will assume his duty from December 1 this year. Shah will replace the current ICC Chair Greg Barclay. Shah is the youngest person ever to be elected as the Independent Chair of the ICC. 

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Why is Jay Shah's appointment as ICC chairman significant for cricket?

The appointment of Jay Shah as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) marks a pivotal moment for the sport. Shah's tenure promises to be transformative, with significant initiatives set to reshape the future of cricket on the global stage.

One of Jay Shah's most ambitious goals is the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics. As the sport eyes a comeback at the Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028, Shah's leadership will be crucial in navigating the complexities of this process. The return of cricket to the Olympics would elevate the sport's global profile and attract new audiences and investment.

One of his significant tasks will also be to ensure the ongoing success of Test cricket, a format that has experienced a revival through the ICC World Test Championship. With two full cycles already completed, maintaining and building on the momentum will be crucial. 

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“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to ICC’s Member Boards for placing their trust in me to take over this prestigious role of the Chair of the ICC. I want to assure you that I will do everything possible to elevate the standard of our game across the globe,” Jay Shah said.

"As I step into this pivotal role, I am resolutely committed to meeting your high expectations and dedicating myself to the beautiful game of cricket.

“While the T20 is a naturally exciting format, it is equally important that Test cricket remains a priority for everyone as it forms the bedrock of our game. We must see to it that cricketers are driven to longer format and our efforts will be channelised towards this goal.”