Jay Shah, the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has been honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum for the Class of 2026. This recognition highlights his increasing influence in shaping the future of global cricket.
Shah, who previously served as the youngest secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has played a significant role in various aspects of cricket’s advancement. He has been instrumental in managing crucial elements of the Indian Premier League, promoting the growth of women’s cricket, and securing major media rights deals, all of which have had a profound impact on the sport.
In addition, Shah has been pivotal in advocating for cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. A press release announcing his selection emphasized his impact on the global cricket administration stage, focusing on expanding the sport’s reach, strengthening international partnerships, and positioning cricket for sustained growth in both established and emerging markets.
The release also highlighted Shah’s key involvement in the re-induction of cricket into the Olympics for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Through this prestigious recognition, Shah joins a global network of leaders driving change across various sectors, further enhancing India’s representation on influential international platforms and bolstering the growth of cricket.
The Young Global Leaders (YGL) community, which Shah now belongs to, comprises 118 leaders under 40 from 55 countries, representing diverse fields such as public service, science, business, civil society, and culture. This group embodies a varied set of individuals contributing to global advancement and innovation.
