Shah, at 35, is the youngest president to head the ICC. Greg BarclayHis new commitment comes at a transformational time for cricket, with the sport set to make its debut in 2028 Olympics,
Shah, who has served as BCCI secretary since 2019 and Asian Cricket Council president since 2021, expressed gratitude ICC Thanking the Member Boards for reposing their faith in him, he said, “I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Member Boards of the ICC for their trust in me to assume this prestigious role of ICC Chairman. I would like to assure you that I will do everything possible to raise the standard of our game across the world. In stepping into this important role, I am fully committed to meet your high expectations and dedicate myself to the beautiful game of cricket.”
He said, “As cricket is set to make its historic Olympic debut in 2028, we stand on the brink of a transformational era. This turning point is not just a milestone, it is a clarion call for all of us involved with this wonderful game. It is a privilege to lead the ICC at such an exciting stage in our shared journey.”
Shah said, “I would also like to work towards setting up a separate programme for talent scouting during my tenure and I look forward to your support in this programme. While T20 is naturally an exciting format, it is equally important that Test cricket remains a priority for everyone as it is the bedrock of our game. We must ensure that cricketers are attracted to the longer format and our efforts will be directed towards this goal.”
Shah also outlined his plans to support women's and disability cricket, saying, “We must further the ICC's mission by allocating more resources and attention to women's cricket and disability cricket. Together, we can empower these essential aspects of the game, making them not only visible but also vibrant and thriving.”
Shah concluded by saying, “I am eagerly looking forward to a tenure filled with collaborative efforts and efforts to remove the barriers that impede cricket's progress. Every challenge we face is an opportunity in disguise and together we will turn adversity into victory. Let us embark on this incredible journey, hand in hand, with our passion for cricket and our belief in its extraordinary potential.”
As Shah prepares to lead the ICC during this crucial period, his focus on Test cricket, as well as his commitment to broadening cricket's global reach, signal a promising future for the game.