At the age of 36, Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the new Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). This makes him the youngest-ever to hold the prestigious position and the fifth Indian to do so after Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar. The announcement was made through a tweet by the ICC and it remains to be seen who will take over as the BCCI Secretary after Shah's tenure.
Jay Shah: Youngest-Ever ICC Chairman
Introduction
On March 20, 2023, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the election of Jay Shah, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary, as its new Independent Chairman. At the age of 36, Shah becomes the youngest-ever and fifth Indian to hold this prestigious position.
Background
Jay Shah is the son of former BCCI President Amit Shah, the current Home Minister of India. He has been actively involved in cricket administration since 2013, when he was elected as a joint secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association. In 2019, he was appointed as the BCCI Secretary.
Election as ICC Chairman
Shah was elected unopposed as the ICC Chairman after the withdrawal of the other two candidates, Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja and former England and Wales Cricket Board Chairman Colin Graves. The ICC's election process is based on a two-step system, where candidates are first nominated by their respective boards and then voted upon by all the ICC members. Shah received the required support and was duly elected.
Significance
Shah's election as ICC Chairman is a significant milestone for India. It marks the return of Indian leadership to the ICC after Shashank Manohar stepped down as Chairman in 2021. It also highlights the growing stature of Indian cricket on the global stage.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Who is Jay Shah?
Jay Shah is the youngest-ever and fifth Indian to hold the position of ICC Chairman. He is the son of former BCCI President Amit Shah and has been actively involved in cricket administration since 2013.
2. What is the ICC?
The ICC is the global governing body for cricket. It is responsible for organizing international cricket matches, setting regulations, and promoting the sport worldwide.
3. What is the role of the ICC Chairman?
The ICC Chairman is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the organization and ensuring that it operates in a transparent and accountable manner. The Chairman also represents the ICC at various international events and forums.
4. What are the major challenges facing the ICC under Shah's leadership?
Some of the major challenges facing the ICC under Shah's leadership include the increasing dominance of domestic leagues, the threat of player burnout, and the need to promote cricket in emerging markets.
5. What are Shah's priorities as ICC Chairman?
Shah has stated that his priorities as ICC Chairman include enhancing the international cricket calendar, promoting the women's game, and working with member boards to develop cricket worldwide.
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