Will ensure Test cricket remains priority as it forms bedrock of the game, says ICC Chairman Jay Shah

Newly-elected ICC Chairman Jay Shah, who replaces Greg Barclay on December 1st, said his endeavour will be to ensure that Test cricket remains the "bedrock" of the game during his tenure. Shah, who took over the reigns of the secretary of the BCCI in 2019, said, "While T20 is a naturally exciting format, it's equally important that Test cricket remains a priority for everyone because it forms the bedrock of our game. We must see to it that cricketers are driven to the longer format, and our efforts will be channelized towards this goal."

Shah said in the BCCI-issued statement, "I am keenly looking forward to dismantling barriers that have obstructed the progress of cricket." He also announced that he would start a separate program for talent search during his tenure. He thanked the ICC's Member Boards for their confidence, assuring them that "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'll do everything humanly possible to elevate the standard of our game across the globe."

Jay Shah, the son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will step down as secretary of the BCCI during the board's Annual General Meeting, which is likely to be held at the end of next month or in October. He is the fifth Indian to be elected for this high-profile post after Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan and Shashank Manohar.

Looking ahead to cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, Shah said, "With cricket all set to make its historic debut at the Olympics in 2028, we are at the threshold of a game-changing era. This is not just a milestone; it is a clarion call for all of us connected with this great game. It is my honor to be steering the ICC during such an exhilarating time in our collective journey."

He also professed his commitment toward the development of women's and differently-abled cricket by articulating, "We have to champion the ICC mission further by being able to invest more time and resources into Women's Cricket and Differently-abled Cricket. We can only empower these integral aspects of the game together and turn them visible, thriving, and dynamic."

Shah concluded by emphasizing the collaborative nature of his tenure to come thus: "I look forward to a tenure fraught with collaboration in an effort to break down the barriers that have retarded progress for cricket. Every problem we encounter presents an opportunity in disguise, and as such, we're going to turn adversity into triumph. Let's begin our fantastic journey together unitedly bound by passion for cricket and belief in its outstanding potential."