Pioneer in cricket administration
Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has been honoured with the prestigious Icon of Excellence Award at the Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2025. The honour recognises his remarkable contribution to cricket administration and his visionary leadership, which has driven innovation, inclusiveness and global growth in the sport.
Youngest ICC President: A record-breaking feat
At just 36, Jay Shah made history by becoming the youngest ever ICC President. His leadership has been instrumental in enhancing cricket’s global appeal, ensuring its financial sustainability and implementing unprecedented reforms that have benefited players, fans and stakeholders alike. His visionary approach has taken the sport to new heights, making it more competitive and widely accessible.
Jay Shah’s Journey: From BCCI to ICC
Before assuming the position of ICC Chairman, Jay Shah made his mark as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). During his tenure, he introduced significant reforms that transformed Indian cricket. Some of his key contributions include:
Women’s Premier League (WPL): Spearheading the successful launch of the WPL, which provided a global platform for women’s cricket and expanded its reach.
Pay parity for cricketers: Ensuring equal match fees for male and female cricketers, a historic step towards gender equality in the sport.
Strengthening domestic cricket: Enhancing infrastructure, facilities and training programmes for aspiring players.
Modernisation of the National Cricket Academy (NCA): Improving player development initiatives and introducing state-of-the-art facilities to develop future talent.
His leadership in these areas laid the foundation for his elevation to the position of ICC Chairman, where he continues to play a leading role in expanding cricket worldwide.
Grand honour at FILA 2025 ceremony
Jay Shah was honoured with the Icon of Excellence Award at a prestigious event held at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The award was presented by Harsh Mariwala, Chairman, Marico Limited and KVS Manian, MD & CEO, Federal Bank. The event was attended by prominent business leaders and influential personalities from various industries who honoured individuals who have made a lasting impact in their respective fields. The honour to Shah reflects his exceptional contribution to sports administration, vision and leadership.
Transformational initiatives under the leadership of Jay Shah
Jay Shah’s tenure has seen several groundbreaking initiatives that have revolutionised cricket administration and made the sport more inclusive. Some of the most impactful initiatives include:
- Ensuring pay parity in cricket
One of Shah’s most significant reforms was to ensure that female cricketers receive the same match fees as their male counterparts. The move was widely lauded for promoting gender equality in cricket and setting a benchmark for other sports across the world.
- Launch of Women’s Premier League (WPL)
The launch of WPL has proved to be a huge game changer for women’s cricket. The tournament has provided an attractive platform for female athletes, increasing visibility and investment in women’s cricket globally.
- Strengthening player development programmes
Under Shah’s leadership, the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence was established, which provides world-class training facilities to develop emerging talent. This initiative ensures that young cricketers receive top-class coaching and resources to compete at the highest level.
- Increase in monthly pension for former players
Recognising the contribution of former cricketers, Shah took the initiative to increase the monthly pension for retired players. The move ensures financial security and acknowledges the role of previous generations in shaping the sport.
- Expanding cricket’s global reach
Shah has worked tirelessly to expand cricket beyond traditional strongholds. Under his leadership, the ICC has focused on promoting the sport in emerging markets, securing new broadcast deals and increasing participation in international tournaments.
Conclusion
Jay Shah’s leadership has redefined cricket administration, bringing progressive reforms that enhance the sport’s sustainability, inclusiveness and global presence. His Icon of Excellence Award at FILA 2025 is a testament to his dedication to modernising cricket and making it a truly global sport. As he continues to lead with innovation and vision, the future of cricket looks brighter than ever.