- Strategic talks with Africa Cricket Association leaders; Jay Shah attends ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 match at Namibia Cricket Ground
NE SPORTS BUREAU:
AHMEDABAD, JAN 22
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah met senior officials of the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) in Windhoek, Namibia, as part of ICC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand the game across the African continent.
During the interaction, Jay Shah discussed development pathways, infrastructure support and long-term growth strategies for African cricket, reaffirming ICC’s commitment to its Associate Member nations. The meeting comes at a time when Africa is playing an increasingly important role in global cricket, both as a talent base and as a host of major ICC events.
Jay Shah watches future stars at U-19 World Cup 2026
Later in the day, the ICC Chairman attended a match of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 at the Namibia Cricket Ground (NCG), Windhoek — the newly developed international venue of Cricket Namibia. Jay Shah watched young cricketers in action, interacting with officials and appreciating the facilities at the venue.
Taking to social media platform X, Jay Shah said: “A productive day in Windhoek meeting with cricket leaders from the Africa Cricket Association as @ICC looks to grow and support the sport across the continent. I also enjoyed seeing future stars of the game at the #U19worldcup match at @CricketNamibia1’s terrific new NCG venue.”
Africa in focus as global cricket expands
The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe, features 16 teams and is considered a key platform for identifying future international stars. Namibia’s role as host highlights the rapid development of cricket infrastructure in the region, with the Namibia Cricket Ground also set to feature in upcoming global ICC tournaments.
Jay Shah’s visit underlines ICC’s strategic focus on expanding cricket beyond traditional strongholds and strengthening the sport’s footprint in Africa through sustained engagement and investment.
