Will ensure Test cricket remains a priority for all: New ICC chairman Jay Shah

Jay Shah (Twitter)

New-elected International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah said that he would try his best to ensure that Test cricket remains top priority for everyone amid the ever-rising popularity of T20 cricket. At the age of just 35, Shah became the youngest individual to spearhead the ICC. He will start his tenure on December 1, 2024.

His election came after current Chair Greg Barclay refrained from seeking a third term, leaving Shah as the sole nominee. Shah has served as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary and the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

Also Read: Jay Shah elected unopposed as new International Cricket Council Chairman

In a statement issued by the BCCI on Tuesday, August 27, he spoke about his willingness to keep Test cricket as the most important format in the sport.

“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 the statement. “We must see to it that cricketers are driven to longer format and our efforts will be channelised towards this goal,” he added.

Shah also vowed to put his best efforts forward in order to uplift the standard of cricket across the globe. “I want to assure you that I will do everything possible to elevate the standard of our game across the globe. 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,” he said.

Shah will leave his position as the BCCI secretary at the board’s Annual General Meeting likely to be held towards the end of next month or in October. 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.

The Gujarat-born also assured that in unison with his team, he will look to develop Women’s Cricket and cricket for the differently-abled.

Also Read: Women’s T20 World Cup: India to play Pakistan on October 6, Bangladesh to host Scotland in tournament opener

“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,” Shah said.

“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,” he noted.