Jay Shah, the 35-year-old son of India’s Home Minister, is set to become the most powerful figure in world cricket as the Independent Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). His appointment has raised questions about the future of the sport, given his limited cricket experience and the potential for political interference.
Shah’s rise to the top of the ICC has been meteoric. He became secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2019, and has since been a vocal advocate for India’s interests within the ICC. His appointment as chairman is seen as a victory for India, which has long sought to increase its influence in the global game.
However, Shah’s lack of cricket experience has raised concerns among some observers. He has never played the game at a professional level, and his knowledge of the sport is limited. This has led to fears that he may not be able to effectively lead the ICC, which is responsible for governing the sport worldwide.
There are also concerns that Shah’s appointment could lead to political interference in the ICC. His father, Amit Shah, is one of the most powerful politicians in India, and his influence could extend to the ICC. This could potentially compromise the independence of the ICC and lead to decisions being made based on political considerations rather than the best interests of the sport.
Despite these concerns, Shah has promised to be an independent chairman who will act in the best interests of cricket. He has also said that he will work to improve the governance of the ICC and make it more transparent and accountable.
The future of cricket under Shah’s leadership is uncertain. He has the potential to be a transformative figure, but he also faces significant challenges. Only time will tell whether he will be able to overcome these challenges and lead the ICC to a brighter future.
