Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah inscribed his name in the record books on Tuesday (August 27). The secretary of the Indian cricket body, which is the largest in the world, became the youngest president in the history of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Jay Shah was the only candidate in the race for the International Cricket Council presidency. The secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was elected unopposed as he will take charge of world cricket from December 1. He will take up the post at the age of 35.

Jay Shah reportedly had the backing of 15 of the 16 members of the International Cricket Council, including Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). While 15 members lent their support to Shah, the Pakistan Cricket Board, which was the 16th member, played a mute spectator role throughout the proceedings.

According to News18 reports, it is learnt that the Pakistan Cricket Board did not say a single word. The source close to the developments claimed that Shah had a lot of support from other members but nothing came from the PCB. He explained:

“There was no word from the PCB. Not that it was necessary because Shah had overwhelming support from the members. But the Pakistan board preferred to play the role of a spectator throughout the process.”

Jay Shah, who is in the final year of his tenure as BCCI secretary, will have to step down from his post. He will be the chairman of the International Cricket Council for three years and one of his main tasks will be to organise the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 in Pakistan and then cricket at the 2028 Olympic Games.

With the appointment of Jay Shah as ICC president, changes are already being felt, even though he has not yet taken up the role. Two senior staff members, Claire Furlong and Chris Tetley, may have to hand over their positions to someone else.

A thorough investigation is underway into the hosting of the 2024 T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.

As cricket prepares to make its historic debut at the 2028 Olympics, we stand on the brink of a transformative era – Jay Shah

After being appointed as the President and Head Coach of the International Cricket Council, Jay Shah spoke about his desire to see cricket make its debut at the Olympic Games. He said it would be a privilege for him to lead the ICC during his tenure. He explained this in an official statement

“As cricket is about to make its historic debut at the 2028 Olympic Games, we find ourselves on the cusp of a transformative era. This juncture is not simply a milestone, it is a wake-up call for all of us involved in this magnificent sport. It is a privilege for me to lead the ICC during such an exciting period in our shared journey.”

Shah, as BCCI secretary, did a lot of work for Indian cricket. Apart from bringing about a massive increase in the financial status of the governing body, he also launched the Women’s Premier League. He also announced equal fees for men and women.

Under his leadership, a new National Cricket Academy (NCA) was built and India successfully hosted the most successful World Cup in history.

He also made Test cricket a priority and took some strict measures against players who were not willing to play the longest format of the game.