India’s Jay Shah officially starts his tenure as the ICC chairman

India’s Jay Shah began his tenure as chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday, succeeding New Zealander Greg Barclay, according to a press release from the governing body.

At 35, Shah, the son of Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, becomes the youngest chairman in ICC history.

Currently serving as president of the Asian Cricket Council, Shah was the sole nominee for the position after Barclay chose not to pursue a third term.

In a statement, the ICC described Shah’s appointment as the start of a “new chapter of global cricket.” Shah expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying he felt “honoured” to assume the role and thanked the ICC directors and member boards for their confidence in him.

“This is an exciting period for cricket as we prepare for the LA28 Olympic Games and work to make the sport more inclusive and widely popular,” Shah said in the press release.

He highlighted that cricket is at a “critical juncture,” balancing the “coexistence of multiple formats” while advancing the growth of the women’s game.

“There is immense global potential for cricket, offering opportunities to connect with both existing and new fans, while ensuring top-tier resources and platforms for players worldwide,” Shah stated.

Shah expressed gratitude to Barclay for his “leadership over the past four years and the significant milestones achieved during that time.” He added that he looked forward to collaborating with the ICC team and member countries to “sustainably expand the game’s reach and evolution on the global stage.”

Shah’s appointment coincides with an ongoing impasse between Pakistan and India regarding the venue for the ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan.

The tournament, scheduled from February 19 to March 9, has sparked controversy, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) refusing to send its team to Pakistan, citing political and security concerns. This is despite assurances from other member boards about security arrangements and a tentative match schedule.

An ICC-convened online meeting on Friday, aimed at resolving the dispute and finalizing the schedule, lasted only 15 minutes, as both the PCB and BCCI maintained their rigid stances.

According to a report by BuzzObserver, both boards have softened their earlier positions and have agreed to adopt a hybrid model for their future matches in ICC tournaments.