Jay Shah, the dynamic administrator at the helm of Indian cricket (BCCI), has extended his reign as Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President for a third consecutive term. This unanimous decision by the ACC Board on January 31st reflects the widespread faith in Shah’s vision and leadership, which have fueled significant progress across the Asian cricketing landscape.
Under Jay Shah guidance, the ACC has witnessed a golden era. Showcasing Asia’s prowess as a cricketing powerhouse, the council successfully organized both T20I and ODI editions of the coveted Asia Cup. Shah’s astute leadership was instrumental in unearthing and nurturing new talent, not just in established cricketing giants like India and Pakistan, but also in emerging nations like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
But Jay Shah’s impact transcends on-field success. He is credited with bolstering the ACC’s financial stability through strategic commercial and broadcast deals. This newfound prosperity is being channeled towards grassroots development, particularly empowering associate members within the ACC. Sri Lanka Cricket president Shammi Silva lauded Shah’s “proven record of boosting finances and channelizing them to the grassroots level, uplifting the associate members.”
This commitment to inclusive growth resonated with Pankaj Khimji, Chairman of Oman Cricket and ACC Vice President. “Today, stakeholders see value in investing in ACC tournaments,” he remarked, crediting Shah for this transformation. “I look forward to working closely with him on taking ACC to the next level,” Khimji enthused.
Jay Shah at ACC: Hailed by all
Appreciation for Jay Shah leadership poured in from across the continent. Nazmul Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, hailed his instrumental role in “developing and strengthening grassroots cricket” and elevating the Asia Cup to its current prestigious status.
Mirwais Ashraf, Chairman of Afghanistan Cricket Board, echoed the sentiment, praising Jay Shah leadership for catalysing the sport’s growth and popularity within the region. Ashraf commended his “financial prudence” and highlighted the significant impact of his previous terms.
Jay Shah tenure hasn’t just been about marquee events and financial muscle. The ACC has actively fostered cricket in regions where it’s still nascent, from Afghanistan and Bhutan to Thailand and Myanmar. This commitment to expanding the cricketing landscape was evident in Shah’s message of gratitude: “We must remain committed to ensuring the all-round development of the sport with a special focus on regions where it is still in its infancy.”
With Jay Shah at the helm, Asian cricket can confidently look forward to a future brimming with talent, competition, and inclusivity. His vision for the sport resonates across the continent, and his re-election serves as a testament to his dedication and achievements. The journey under Shah’s leadership promises to be an exciting one, with both established rivals and rising stars vying for glory under the watchful eye of the Asian Cricket Council.
Editors pick
