New Delhi: Hardik Pandya and Anil Kumble have led the congratulatory messages for Jay Shah following his unopposed election as the new chairman of the International Cricket Council. Shah, the current Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, will officially take over from outgoing chair Greg Barclay on December 1, becoming the fifth Indian to lead the ICC.
Pandya, who has witnessed Shah’s rise as a cricket administrator firsthand, praised Shah’s “vision and drive,” emphasizing his successful tenure with the BCCI and expressing confidence in his ability to bring similar success to the ICC.
“Congratulations Jay Shah bhai on being elected as the youngest chairman of the ICC. Looking forward to seeing you take cricket to even greater heights. Your vision and drive will help ICC, just like it did with BCCI,” Hardik said in an X post.
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
“Jay Shah’s election as ICC Chair marks a new chapter in global cricket. Congratulations and best wishes for the journey ahead!” legendary cricketer Anil Kumble said in a post on X.
.@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
India women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur also extended her congratulations to Jay Shah on his appointment as the next ICC chairman.
Congratulations @JayShah Sir for being elected as the ICC chair.
— Harmanpreet Kaur (@ImHarmanpreet) August 27, 2024
Former BCCI president Anurag Thakur praised Jay Shah’s election as ICC chairman, describing it as a reflection of India’s growing prominence on the global 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 celebration for all Indians, serving as a testament to India’s rise on the international stage,” he added.
Jay Shah, who began his cricket administration career in 2009, has quickly ascended to the role of ICC Chairman, a position he will assume after stepping down as BCCI Secretary. On Tuesday, the ICC confirmed Shah as the sole nominee for the chairmanship following Greg Barclay’s decision not to pursue a third term. Shah expressed his humility at the nomination and outlined his vision to further globalize the sport of cricket in the years ahead.
“I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalize cricket. We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to new global markets. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before,” he said in a statement.
