With a “hazy fog of uncertainty” hanging over the 2025 Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan, Jay Shah, former honorary secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), took over as president of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday.
In his first statement as ICC Chairman, Shah outlined his priorities during his tenure, including leveraging the sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as a pivotal opportunity as well as accelerating the growth of the women’s game.
“I am honored to take on the role of ICC President and grateful for the trust placed in me. This is an exciting time for the sport as we prepare for the LA28 Olympics and work to make cricket more inclusive and engaging for fans around the world,” he said in a statement.
The 35-year-old stressed the acceleration of the growth of the women’s game, saying: “We are at a critical juncture with the coexistence of multiple forms and the need to accelerate the growth of the women’s game.”
“Cricket has huge potential globally and I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and member nations to seize these opportunities and take the sport to new heights,” he concluded.
Shah’s arrival at the ICC office is likely to be important for the final decision on hosting the prestigious tournament.
The tournament, which is scheduled to be held in Pakistan next year, has become a bone of contention between Pakistan and India, as BCCI refused to send its team to Pakistan, citing security concerns despite assurances.
The sources said Geographic News International cricket’s governing body has begun examining a “partnership formula” in a bid to end the deadlock over hosting the Champions Trophy.
Sources said that as per the new format, India will play all its matches in the ICC World Cup, which are supposed to be held in Pakistan, in Dubai, and Pakistan will also play its matches, scheduled to be held in India, in Dubai.
The formula will be applicable for the next three years starting from the 2025 Champions Cup, they said, adding that it is expected to put an end to the issue of scheduling and venue of the Champions Cup tournament. The sources said that India and Pakistan will not play any tournament in each other during this period.
A day ago, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had expressed optimism about formulating a “long-term” formula, which would be beneficial for both the nations and cricket, and which would apply to all future ICC events.
“We will not allow unilateral decisions to be taken,” Naqvi, who also serves as Interior Minister, said while speaking to reporters in Dubai on Saturday. “Decisions should be taken on the basis of equality.”