‘Test cricket remains a priority’: Jay Shah makes a bold statement after elected as new ICC chairman | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: BCCI secretary Jay Shah made a bold statement on his vision for global cricket, emphasising the importance of Test cricket after being elected unopposed as ICC chairman on Tuesday.
Shah, 35, is the youngest to lead the ICC, succeeding Greg Barclay. His new commitment comes at a transformative time for cricket, with the sport set to debut at the 2028 Olympics.

Shah, who has served as BCCI Secretary since 2019 and as Chair of the Asian Cricket Council since 2021, expressed gratitude to the ICC Member Boards for their trust in him, saying, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to ICC’s Member Boards for placing their trust in me to take over this prestigious role of the Chairman of the ICC. I want to assure you that I will do everything possible to elevate the standard of our game across the globe. As I step into this pivotal role, I am resolutely committed to meeting your high expectations and dedicating myself to the beautiful game of cricket.”

“With cricket poised to make its historic debut at the Olympics in 2028, we stand at the precipice of a transformative era. This juncture is not merely a milestone, it’s a clarion call for all of us involved in this magnificent sport. It is my privilege to lead the ICC during such an exciting period in our shared journey,” he added.

“I would also like to work towards setting up a separate program for talent search during my tenure, and I look forward to your support in this program. While the T20 is a naturally exciting format, it is equally important that Test cricket remains a priority for everyone as it forms the bedrock of our game. We must see to it that cricketers are driven to longer format and our efforts will be channelised towards this goal,” Shah stated, stressing the need to drive cricketers towards the longer format.
Shah also outlined his plans to support women’s and differently-abled cricket, adding, “We must champion the ICC’s mission further by allocating more resources and attention to Women’s Cricket and Differently-abled Cricket. Together, we can empower these essential facets of the sport, making them not just visible but vibrant and thriving.”
“I eagerly anticipate a tenure rich with collaborative efforts, striving to dismantle the barriers that have hindered cricket’s progress. Every challenge we face is an opportunity in disguise, and together, we will transform adversity into triumph. Let’s embark on this incredible journey, hand in hand, united by our passion for cricket and our belief in its extraordinary potential,” Shah concluded.
As he prepares to lead the ICC during this pivotal period, Shah’s focus on Test cricket, alongside his commitment to broadening cricket’s global footprint, signals a promising future for the sport.