The cricketing world witnessed a historic moment on January 31 as Jay Shah, the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was appointed for a third consecutive term as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The ACC, in a released statement, highlighted the unanimous approval of Shah’s extension at the ACC Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Bali, marking the continuation of his second two-year term as the ACC Chief.
The Unanimous Decision:
Shammi Silva, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), played a pivotal role in proposing Shah’s extension, a decision that garnered unanimous support from all ACC members. The ACC’s press release on Wednesday echoed the unity among its members in endorsing Shah’s leadership for another year.
A Young Trailblazer
Taking the reins of the ACC in January 2021 from Nazmul Hassan, the president of the Bangladesh Cricket Board, Jay Shah made history by becoming the youngest administrator to be re-appointed as the ACC president. This achievement adds a unique chapter to Shah’s administrative journey within the cricketing landscape.
Breaking Tradition with Consecutive Terms
Traditionally, the ACC presidency rotates among the full ICC members in the continental body. However, Jay Shah has defied convention by securing two consecutive terms, a feat previously unseen in the history of ACC leadership transitions.
Jay Shah Perspective
In response to his re-election, Jay Shah expressed gratitude in a statement quoted in the ACC press release. He emphasized the need to remain committed to the all-round development of cricket, with a special focus on regions where the sport is still in its infancy. Shah’s commitment resonated with the ACC’s overarching goal of nurturing cricket across the diverse landscapes of Asia.
Sri Lanka’s Support
With Sri Lanka Cricket next in line for the ACC presidency, the nation’s cricketing body proposed the continuation of Jay Shah’s tenure. Shammi Silva, SLC Chief, lauded Shah’s pivotal role in steering the ACC toward significant progress in promoting and developing cricket across the Asian region. Silva highlighted Shah’s influence in unearthing and promoting new talent in cricketing powerhouses like Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Successful Tournaments Under Shah’s Leadership
During Jay Shah’s leadership, the ACC achieved notable success by successfully organizing the Asia Cup in T20 format in 2022 and in ODI format in 2023. These events showcased the effective implementation of Shah’s vision and strategies, contributing to the growth and popularity of cricket in the region.
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International Recognition
Pankaj Khimji, Chairman of Oman Cricket and Vice President of the ACC, extended congratulations on Shah’s continued term. Khimji attributed a major transformation to Shah’s leadership, stating that stakeholders now see value in investing in tournaments conducted by the ACC. This international recognition is expected to further fuel the growth of the game in the region, according to Khimji.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jay Shah’s reappointment as the President of the Asian Cricket Council for a third consecutive term reflects not only his individual accomplishments but also the collective trust and confidence placed in his leadership by the cricketing community across Asia. As Shah continues to guide the ACC, the focus on the development, promotion, and nurturing of cricket talent remains paramount, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive across diverse landscapes.
