The recently elected chairman of the Indian Cricket Council, Jay Shah, has stated that one of his priorities will be to “dismantle barriers that have hindered cricket’s progress” and to make sure that Test cricket remains the “bedrock” of the game.
On December 1, the 35-year-old will resign from his current role as BCCI secretary to become the youngest ICC Chairman for a two-year term, replacing incumbent Greg Barclay.
“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,” Shah said in a statement issued by the BCCI on Tuesday.
“We must see to it that cricketers are driven to longer format and our efforts will be channelised towards this goal,” he added.
Shah mentioned that he would also like to work on establishing a different program for finding talent. He placed a strong emphasis on raising the bar for players everywhere.
“I want to reassure you that I will use every effort to raise the bar for our game everywhere. I’m determined to live up to your high standards and devote myself to the beautiful game of cricket as I take on this crucial responsibility,” he declared.
Shah, the son of union home minister Amit Shah, will step down from his role as BCCI secretary during the board’s annual general meeting, which is anticipated to take place in October or towards the end of next month.
Shah became the fifth Indian after the late Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar to be elected for the high-profile job.
“With cricket poised to make its historic debut at the Olympics in 2028, we stand at the precipice of a transformative era. This juncture is not merely a milestone, it’s a clarion call for all of us involved in this magnificent sport.
“It is my privilege to lead the ICC during such an exciting period in our shared journey,” he stated.
Shah declared that he would support the development of women’s and differently-abled cricket players while serving as the ICC Chairman.
“By giving women’s cricket and differently-abled cricket more resources and attention, we must further champion the ICC’s objective. By working together, we can strengthen these crucial elements of the sport and ensure that they are not only noticeable but also thriving.”
“I eagerly anticipate a tenure rich with collaborative efforts, striving to dismantle the barriers that have hindered cricket’s progress. Every challenge we face is an opportunity in disguise, and together, we will transform adversity into triumph.
“Let’s embark on this incredible journey, hand in hand, united by our passion for cricket and our belief in its extraordinary potential,” Shah noted.
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