By Rifat Malik and Haider Abbas

Jay Shah, the youngest chairman in the history of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has taken on the prestigious role with a clear vision to elevate cricket on a global scale. The BCCI chief expressed gratitude to board members for their trust and outlined ambitious plans for the sport’s future in a series of heartfelt messages shared on X (formerly Twitter).

A Transformative Phase for Cricket

Expressing his excitement and sense of responsibility, Shah emphasized cricket’s unifying power and his commitment to guiding it through a transformative phase. “Cricket is a sport that unites millions across the globe, and this is a moment of immense responsibility and opportunity,” he stated.

Shah’s primary focus includes broadening the sport’s global footprint by working closely with ICC member nations. His vision is clear: make cricket more accessible and adapt it to meet the aspirations of fans worldwide while fostering inclusivity and innovation.

Preserving Test Cricket as the Pinnacle

A staunch advocate for the traditional format of the game, Shah reaffirmed his dedication to preserving and enhancing Test cricket. “Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the game, and I am dedicated to preserving its stature while enhancing its appeal to fans,” he said, ensuring that the format remains an integral part of cricket’s future.

Grassroots Development and Accessibility

Shah has placed significant emphasis on grassroots development, envisioning a system that makes cricket accessible to every corner of the world. By focusing on youth initiatives and local-level programs, he aims to build a robust pipeline of talent and inspire new generations to take up the sport.

A Special Focus on Women’s Cricket

Women’s cricket is set to play a cornerstone role in Shah’s leadership. Committed to ensuring its prominence, he highlighted plans to promote and expand opportunities for women players worldwide. “Women’s cricket will be a cornerstone of our growth strategy as we take the sport to new horizons,” Shah stated, signaling a promising future for inclusivity in the game.

Collaboration for Growth

In his concluding remarks, Shah expressed gratitude to ICC Member Boards for their support and stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving his ambitious goals. “Together, we will strive to take cricket to unprecedented heights, inspiring the next generation and uniting communities through our great game of cricket,” he said.

A Visionary Leadership Era Begins

Jay Shah’s appointment marks the beginning of a dynamic new chapter for cricket, with aspirations to grow its global appeal while preserving its rich traditions. His tenure promises a balanced focus on innovation, grassroots initiatives, and inclusivity, setting a transformative course for the sport.