Cricket West Indies CEO reveals why Jay Shah was unanimously elected as ICC Chairman

In a significant development within the cricketing world, Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been unanimously elected as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). The decision comes as no surprise to many within the sport, given Shah’s impressive track record and the resounding support he has garnered across the cricketing fraternity.

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Cricket West Indies CEO reveals why Jay Shah was elected unopposed

Johnny Grave, the CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI), shed light on the reasons behind Jay Shah's unanimous election, emphasizing the BCCI secretary’s exceptional leadership skills and his contributions to the growth of the game. 

In an interview with The Indian Express, Johnny Grave highlighted Jay Shah’s pivotal role in elevating Indian cricket to new heights, which has resonated well with the ICC board members. This is the reason Jay Shah received unanimous support for his election as ICC Chairman.

"The ICC board doesn’t want to waste too much time on internal politics. If you look at Jay’s leadership at the BCCI, it has been wonderful. He has hosted the Women’s Premier League, successfully oversaw the 50-over World Cup in India, and has signed huge broadcast deals with IPL and for BCCI,” Grave remarked. 

Under his stewardship, India successfully hosted the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which was praised for its smooth execution and record-breaking viewership. Furthermore, Shah played a crucial role in launching the Women's Premier League (WPL), a groundbreaking initiative that has provided a significant boost to women’s cricket in India and beyond.

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Johnny Grave also pointed out that Jay Shah’s negotiation skills have been instrumental in securing lucrative broadcast deals for both the IPL and the BCCI. These deals have set new benchmarks in the industry, further solidifying India’s position as a financial powerhouse in world cricket.