Why Jay Shah was Unanimously Voted in as ICC Chairman? Cricket West Indies CEO, Johnny Grave Reveals

The appointment of Jay Shah as the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman has created history by becoming the youngest to hold the position for a term of two years. CEO of Cricket West Indies, Johnny Grave opened up on why he was unanimously selected for the role.

Speaking to the Indian Express, the CWI CEO reflected on Shah’s tenure as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary through which he was able to oversee some of cricket’s major events like the 2023 ODI World Cup and also bring in massive returns through the broadcast deals for the Indian Premier League (IPL) and India’s bilaterals.

Shah was also a pivotal figure in bringing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) which proved to be a masterstroke, thus bringing more spotlight to women’s cricket in the process.

READ MORE: ‘Do You Know if MI Will Release Him?’: Sanjiv Goenka Clears the Air on LSG Going for Rohit Sharma

“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,” Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave as quoted by The Indian Express.

Grave also suggested that Shah fit the bill on the ICC’s expectations from their new chairperson. They hope that under his tenure, Shan can recreate what he has done with the BCCI to benefit world cricket.

An anonymous board member was quoted saying, “We are talking about the Indian sub-continent rights holder, who contributes the major chunk of the revenue. We have seen Jay pull off lucrative deals for IPL and bilateral cricket. It is the need of the hour at the ICC as well”.

READ MORE: Sanjay Manjrekar Questions Rohit, Kohli and Bumrah Exclusion From Duleep Trophy, Says ‘I See Them as Well-Rested Players’

Among the various obstacles to tackle, Shah’s pressing concern would be the revival of Test cricket. Many have suggested that the format has seen a stark contrast when comparing the top sides to the others. Initiatives would need to be taken to ensure that the lesser teams are incentivized to take up the format.

Shah as a BCCI Secretary had introduced the ‘Test Cricket Incentive Scheme’ which offered additional income for players for taking part in the longest format. The scheme was introduced following India’s victory over England in Dharamsala in March 2024.