From Gujarat to Global Cricket: Jay Shah’s journey to ICC chair

Jay Shah, currently serving as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is on the brink of assuming one of the most prestigious roles in world cricket—the chairmanship of the International Cricket Council (ICC). As the son of Amit Shah, India’s Minister of Home Affairs, Jay Shah’s journey from the cricketing heartlands of Gujarat to the global stage has been nothing short of remarkable.

Early Life and Introduction to Cricket Administration

Born on 22 September 1988, Jay Shah was introduced to cricket administration early in life, a path that would eventually lead him to the highest echelons of the sport. His initial foray into cricket governance began in 2009 when he joined the Central Board of Cricket, Ahmedabad, as an executive board member.

By September 2013, Jay Shah had ascended to the position of joint secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA). During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in overseeing the construction of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a project closely associated with his father, who was the GCA president at the time.

Rise in BCCI: Jay Shah

Jay Shah’s rapid rise in the cricket administration continued when he became a member of the BCCI’s finance and marketing committees in 2015. His influence grew, and by October 2019, he was elected as the youngest-ever secretary of the BCCI.

His tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including the negotiation of the record-breaking Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights deal in 2022. Under his leadership, the IPL became the second most valued sporting league in the world in terms of per-match value, solidifying his reputation as a formidable sports administrator.

Leadership at Asian Cricket Council (ACC)

In January 2021, Jay Shah was appointed President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), a position he continues to hold after being re-elected in January 2024. His leadership at the ACC has been characterised by strategic initiatives that have strengthened the position of Asian cricket on the global stage.

His re-election was a testament to his peers’ confidence in his ability to lead, with Sri Lanka Cricket chief Shammi Silva proposing his extension—a proposal that was unanimously accepted by ACC members.

Significant Role in ICC

Jay Shah’s involvement with the ICC began in earnest when the BCCI selected him as its representative for future Chief Executives Committee (CEC) meetings in December 2019. His influence within the ICC grew, culminating in his election as the head of the powerful Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) committee in November 2022.

Jay Shah has also been instrumental in advocating for cricket’s inclusion in global multi-sport events, playing a key role in ensuring cricket’s participation in the 2028 Olympic Games.

Personal Life and Public Recognition

In his personal life, Jay Shah married his college girlfriend, Rishita Patel, in February 2015, in a traditional Gujarati ceremony attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jay Shah’s contributions to cricket have not gone unnoticed, as he has received numerous accolades, including the ‘Sports Business Leader of the Year’ award in 2023 and ‘Game Changer of the Year’ at the CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite his successes, Shah’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2017, he filed a criminal defamation case against the editors of The Wire following an article that questioned the rapid growth of his company’s revenue. The case has been a significant episode in his public life, reflecting the scrutiny that comes with high-profile positions.

Road Ahead: ICC Chairmanship

As Jay Shah prepares to step into the role of ICC Chairman, replacing Greg Barclay, he brings with him a wealth of experience and a track record of strategic leadership.

His journey from Gujarat to the global cricketing stage is a testament to his dedication, vision, and ability to navigate the complex world of sports administration. The cricketing world now waits to see how he will steer the ICC in the years to come.