New Delhi: New ICC chairman Jay Shah vowed that the traditional Test format will remain the core of cricket as long as he is in charge of the global governing body.
The BCCI secretary was announced as the new ICC chairman on Tuesday as he succeeded Greg Barclay unopposed and is set to take charge in December 1.
At 35, Jay Shah became the youngest to the ICC chair after New Zealand’s 62-year-old Barclay decided to step down and not run for a third successive term of two years.
Since 2019, Shah has been BCCI’s secretary and is also the president of the Asian Cricket Council.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to ICC’s Member Boards for placing their trust in me to take over this prestigious role of the Chairman of the ICC. I want to assure you that I will do everything possible to elevate the standard of our game across the globe,” he said in a statement issued by BCCI.
“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.”
Son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jay will leave the BCCI secretary’s post to become the fifth Indian after Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar to be elected for top administrative post.
‘Test cricket remains priority’
“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,” he said, of his mission as ICC chairman.
“We must see to it that cricketers are driven to longer format and our efforts will be channelised towards this goal.
“I would like to work towards setting up a separate program for talent search during my tenure, and I look forward to your support in this program.”
Jay Shah also stressed on the need to lifting the standards of cricket throughout the world as the game has now been included to be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“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,” Shah added.
Eye on growth
Shah also stated his goal of advocating growth of women’s and differently-abled cricketers, which is needed to foster the progress of the game.
“We must champion the ICC’s mission further by allocating more resources and attention to Women’s Cricket and Differently-abled Cricket. Together, we can empower these essential facets of the sport, making them not just visible but vibrant and 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 said.
Jay Shah was announced as the new ICC chairman on Tuesday as he succeeded Greg Barclay unopposed and is set to take charge in December 1. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
