New Delhi: BCCI boss Jay Shah is the new chairperson of the International Cricket Council, or the ICC. Although there have been four other Indians to hold the highest office in the gentleman’s game before him — Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar – at 35, Shah is the youngest Indian chair of the ICC.
The rise of Shah to the post is being perceived as a victory of Indian cricket administration. But he may have his task cut out.
What are the biggest challenges before Jay Shah? News9 Plus Decodes
The first and foremost challenge that Shah may face is reviving interest in Test cricket, considered the purest form of the game by connoisseurs. The low attendance at Test matches across the world is a big concern with administrators. Some Boards – most recently Pakistan – have even declared free entry for spectators on certain days of the five-day format. Shah said as much in a statement issued by the BCCI. “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.
What are the other big challenges that Shah faces?
Another tricky task for Shah could be renegotiating Disney Star’s four-year broadcast deal with the ICC. Disney Star, the official broadcasters for global cricket events from 2024 to 2027, has sought relief on the valuation of the $US3 billion deal it signed in 2022 for TV and digital rights.
Also, a looming crisis in which Shah may have to do a balancing act between cricket and geopolitics is the Champions Trophy in February. India has refused to tour Pakistan and said they would play on neutral venues. This is something other ICC members have not taken too kindly.
How can Shah take cricket to new territory?
He is assuming office at a time when cricket can become even bigger, by making a debut at the 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,” said Shah on August 28th. “It is my privilege to lead the ICC during such an exciting period in our shared journey,” he added.
However, North America is yet to warm up to cricket. This was evident in the US leg of the T20 Cricket World Cup. Poor attendance and below-par playing conditions earned the wrath of aficionados. Will the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 make America fall in love with cricket? Wait and watch.
The first challenge that Shah may face is reviving interest in Test cricket, considered the purest form of the game by connoisseurs. Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
