In a significant development for cricket in Asia, Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been reappointed as the Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for a remarkable third consecutive year. The decision came during the ACC Annual General Meeting in Bali, where Shah’s extension for another year was unanimously approved.
Shammi Silva, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), proposed Shah’s continuation, and this nomination received unanimous support from all ACC members. This extension marks Shah’s third successive term as the ACC Chief, making him the first individual to secure two consecutive terms in this position.
Taking over the reins of the ACC in January 2021 from Nazmul Hassan, the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Shah has been a dynamic force in steering the council towards progress. Despite the ACC presidency traditionally rotating among full ICC members in the continental body, Shah’s unprecedented reappointment signifies the trust and confidence placed in his leadership.
Expressing gratitude after his re-election, Shah emphasized the commitment to the all-round development of cricket, with a particular focus on regions where the sport is still in its infancy. The ACC, under Shah’s leadership, aims to nurture cricket across Asia and contribute to the growth of the sport in diverse regions.
Sri Lanka Cricket, whose turn was next for the ACC presidency, played a crucial role in proposing Shah’s continuation. SLC Chief Shammi Silva acknowledged Shah’s pivotal role in promoting and developing cricket across the Asian region. Under Shah’s guidance, the ACC has been instrumental in identifying and promoting new talent in cricketing powerhouses like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
One of the highlights of Shah’s tenure has been the successful organization of the Asia Cup in both T20 and ODI formats. The ACC, under his leadership, hosted the T20 format in 2022 and the ODI format in 2023, showcasing the council’s commitment to organizing top-tier tournaments that bring together cricketing nations in the region.
Pankaj Khimji, Chairman of Oman Cricket and Vice-President of the ACC, extended congratulations on Shah’s continued term. Khimji credited Shah for the major transformation that has made stakeholders see value in investing in tournaments conducted by the ACC. This transformation is expected to further fuel the growth of cricket in the region, demonstrating the positive impact of Shah’s leadership on the council.
In conclusion, Jay Shah‘s reappointment as the ACC Chairman for a third successive term signifies not only his personal achievement but also the acknowledgment of his instrumental role in fostering cricket development across Asia. As he embarks on this extended term, cricket enthusiasts in the region look forward to witnessing further advancements and initiatives under his dynamic leadership.
