Sachin Tendulkar Praises Jay Shah as He Takes on the Role of ICC Chairman
The newly-elected International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman, Jay Shah, has received accolades from cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, who lauded Shah’s efforts in promoting both men’s and women’s cricket during his tenure as BCCI secretary. Shah, who will step into the role of ICC Chairman from December 1, 2024, has been instrumental in transforming the BCCI into a pioneering cricket board that others aspire to emulate.
Tendulkar, a revered figure in the cricketing world, expressed his admiration for Shah’s dedication to the sport and his achievements as an administrator. Shah, who will become the youngest ICC Chairman at 35, has made a significant impact during his time with the BCCI. Tendulkar’s endorsement came through a heartfelt message on social media platform X, where he highlighted Shah’s enthusiasm and drive to elevate cricket to new heights.
“Being enthusiastic and having the drive to do something good for cricket are essential qualities for a cricket administrator. Jay Shah displayed these traits wonderfully during his stint as BCCI secretary,” Tendulkar wrote. He continued to praise Shah’s efforts in ensuring that both men’s and women’s cricket received equal attention, which has set a benchmark for other cricket boards globally. Tendulkar expressed his confidence that Shah would carry forward the legacy of previous Indian ICC chairpersons and take the sport to greater heights.
Shah’s election as ICC Chairman marks a significant milestone in his career, as he joins the ranks of other Indian luminaries who have led the global cricketing body. Tendulkar made special mention of past Indian ICC chairpersons like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N. Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar, acknowledging the legacy they left behind. He expressed his belief that Shah would build on this foundation and continue to push the boundaries of cricket administration.
Tendulkar wasn’t the only one to offer congratulations. Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, who worked closely with Shah during his first term as BCCI secretary, also extended his best wishes. Ganguly, a former India captain and one of the most respected figures in cricket, expressed his confidence in Shah’s ability to excel in his new role. “Congratulations to Jay Shah on his new role as ICC Chairman. Wish him a great journey ahead,” Ganguly wrote, echoing the sentiments of many in the cricketing fraternity.
Current Indian cricket stars, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah, also took to social media to congratulate Shah. Kohli, India’s batting mainstay, wished Shah success in his new position, while Sharma, the current captain of the Indian Test and ODI teams, sent his “heartiest congratulations.” Bumrah, one of India’s leading fast bowlers, praised Shah’s passion for the game, which he believes will help propel cricket to new heights under his leadership.
As Shah prepares to assume the role of ICC Chairman, he carries with him the hopes and expectations of the Indian cricket community. His tenure as BCCI secretary, marked by significant advancements in both men’s and women’s cricket, has positioned him as a forward-thinking leader in the world of sports administration. With the support of cricketing legends like Tendulkar and the confidence of current players, Shah is poised to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
In conclusion, Jay Shah’s election as ICC Chairman represents a new chapter in his already illustrious career. His contributions to Indian cricket have been widely recognized, and his leadership qualities have earned him praise from some of the biggest names in the sport. As he steps into his new role, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see how he builds on the legacy of his predecessors and continues to advance the game of cricket on the global stage.