At just 35 years old, Jay Shah is set to become the youngest president in the history of the International Cricket Council (ICC) when he assumes the role in December, succeeding Greg Barclay. His election to the position on Tuesday was uncontested, marking him as the new chair of the influential cricket body.
It’s not unusual for a figure from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ascend to the ICC presidency, with previous holders including Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.
However, Jay Shah has made a distinctive mark in world cricket by creating his own path. Initially recognized as the son of Amit Shah, India’s influential interior minister and close associate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shah has now emerged as a prominent figure in cricket, enhancing India’s already formidable presence in the sport.
Shah’s tenure began as BCCI secretary in 2019, where he played a key role in the remarkable growth of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The IPL, under his leadership, attracted top international stars with substantial salaries in the T20 format.
The league’s broadcast rights were sold in 2022 for a staggering $6.2 billion over five seasons, placing it among the most expensive sports leagues globally in terms of cost-per-match.
Ambitions Beyond the IPL
The success of the IPL has significantly amplified the BCCI’s influence, with political figures vying for control over state associations to leverage their benefits. Yet, Shah has ambitions that extend beyond this.
In addition to leading the BCCI, Shah also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and was instrumental in cricket’s return to the Olympic program. He envisions leveraging cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics to advance India’s bid to host the 2036 Games.
“The inclusion of cricket in the Olympics at LA 2028 marks a pivotal moment for the sport’s growth, and I am confident it will propel cricket forward in unprecedented ways,” Shah remarked following his election.
Shah’s rapid rise began in 2009 in his home state of Gujarat. His father had previously served as the president of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA). In 2013, Shah was appointed GCA joint secretary, and during his tenure, the construction of Ahmedabad’s cricket ground began, transforming it into the world’s largest cricket stadium with a capacity of 132,000 seats, named after Modi.
Two years later, Shah joined the BCCI’s upper echelons, and in 2019, at the age of 31, he was elected as the board’s secretary. His swift ascent to this high-profile position drew criticism of nepotism in cricket’s vast and passionate following in India.
Despite his role being closely scrutinized in cricket-mad India, where the sport is akin to a religion, Shah maintained a relatively low profile, opting for minimal direct interviews. He aimed to project himself as a proactive, young administrator capable of making tough decisions and supporting players.
Earlier this year, Shah issued a rare admonition to cricketers to balance their focus between the lucrative IPL and domestic cricket. He emphasized, “Domestic cricket is the backbone of Indian cricket,” signaling a need for players to respect home tournaments despite the allure of franchise leagues.
Shah has also been a strong advocate for women’s cricket, leading the establishment of the Women’s Premier League in 2023, modeled after the IPL. His efforts have resulted in improved pay and contracts for players, coaches, and ground staff due to India’s economic growth.
Criticisms and Broader Impact
However, the BCCI under Shah has faced criticism for its failure to upgrade stadiums to enhance fan comfort and viewing experiences. Critics argue that the BCCI’s substantial resources and influence allow it to exert significant sway over the ICC.
While the ICC has acted against other boards for political interference, such as in Zimbabwe in 2019 and Sri Lanka last year, it has yet to address the deep connections between India’s ruling party and cricket authorities.
Shah’s influence has also extended to cricket’s inclusion in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the Asian Games in Guangzhou. Former Indian cricket great Sunil Gavaskar praised Shah’s impact, stating that “just as he has done for Indian cricket, both men and women, players worldwide will benefit.”