NE SPORTS BUREAU
MUMBAI, NOV 3:
Cricket is witnessing a renaissance under the visionary stewardship of Jay Shah, whose reform-driven leadership has ushered in a new golden era for the sport — one defined by inclusivity, integrity, and international growth.
The @BCCIWomen's march towards its first @cricketworldcup has been nothing short of spectacular. While the grit, resolve and skills of the Indian team have inspired the whole nation, we must acknowledge the role of key policy decisions taken by the @BCCI – increased investment,… pic.twitter.com/rcHm5BYZZX
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) November 2, 2025
From his early days as Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to his current role as Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Shah has emerged as one of the most influential administrators in global sport, steering cricket into a future marked by equality and excellence.
- Transformative leadership rooted in equity, innovation, and global expansion redefines the game’s future
- From pay parity to Olympic inclusion, the ICC Chairman’s sweeping reforms inspire a new chapter for cricket
- His landmark move in 2023 to introduce equal prize money for men’s and women’s tournaments established a new global benchmark for gender parity in sport
At the ICC, Shah’s tenure has been transformative. As Chair of the Finance and Commercial Affairs Committee, and now as Chairman, he has championed structural reforms that have strengthened cricket’s financial foundation and global reach. His landmark move in 2023 to introduce equal prize money for men’s and women’s tournaments established a new global benchmark for gender parity in sport.
Mr. Shah also played a pivotal role in securing cricket’s return to the Olympic stage, leading the ICC’s successful pitch to the International Olympic Committee for inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games—a move that promises to expand the game’s footprint across continents.
Back home, as BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah reshaped Indian cricket’s governance with professionalism, data-driven decision-making, and transparency. His forward-looking policies led to:
- The expansion of the IPL into a global sporting powerhouse with record media rights.
- The launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL)—now the world’s largest women’s sports league.
- The pay parity policy, ensuring equal match fees for men and women cricketers.
- Enhanced financial support for domestic players through increased prize money and match fees.
- The Test Cricket Incentive Scheme, designed to revive red-ball cricket.
- The modernisation of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru into a world-class high-performance hub.
These visionary reforms culminated in India’s record-breaking hosting of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, followed by an unprecedented string of triumphs on the global stage. Under his leadership, India has claimed five ICC trophies—across both men’s and women’s cricket—in just three years:
- ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup (2023 & 2025)
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 – ending a 17-year drought
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – India’s first in 12 years
- ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 – a historic maiden victory
The latest triumph, India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup title, encapsulates Jay Shah’s unwavering commitment to empowering women’s cricket through strategic investment and institutional support.
Reflecting on this historic win, Mr. Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, said: “India finally lifts the World Cup! Last night was a landmark moment in the history of women’s cricket. Increased investment, pay parity with men’s cricketers, and the big-match temperament inculcated through the WPL have all contributed to this remarkable victory. The grit, resolve, and skill of our women have made the nation proud.”
Through bold reforms and transformative leadership, Jay Shah continues to build bridges across the cricketing world—uniting nations, empowering players, and redefining what the sport stands for. His vision has not only elevated Indian cricket but also positioned cricket as a truly global game for the modern age.
