The New Face of BCCI: Jay Shah and His Background in Cricket

While Sourav Ganguly takes the helm as the new president of BCCI, it's equally intriguing to explore the background of the new BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah. Although Jay Shah may not have a playing stint in international cricket, his journey in cricket administration is noteworthy. This article delves into his credentials and the unique scenarios in the Indian cricket scene.

From a Cricket-blessed Family Background to BCCI Secretary

One cannot help but draw parallels when considering the ascension of Jay Shah, son of the Home Minister of Gujarat, Amit Shah, to the Secretary position at BCCI. Known for his business acumen and cricket administration, Jay Shah’s journey has been a blend of familial support and personal drive. Unlike some of the administrative roles in cricket, where individuals often emerge from playing backgrounds, Jay Shah’s route was decidedly different.

A Businessman in Cricket Administration

Jay Shah, a businessman by profession, has been deeply involved in cricket administration for over a decade. His rise through the ranks at BCCI can be traced back to influential positions such as the Vice-President of the Central Board of Cricket in Ahmedabad for four years (2009-2013), followed by his role as the Joint Secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association until 2019. He has also served as a member of the finance and marketing committee of BCCI from 2015 to 2019 and currently holds the position of Secretary of BCCI, a role he began in 2019. Notably, he is the youngest-ever president of the Asian Cricket Council, a position he has held since January 2021.

First-Class Cricket and Friendly Matches

While Jay Shah may not have played professional cricket, his involvement in the sport does extend beyond administrative roles. Notably, he has been part of a friendly match between top BCCI officials and serving cricketers. This match, held at Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad, showcased the dynamics between captain and his peers. The match was a 12-over affair, with Jay Shah's XI managing to post 128/3 in the first innings, thanks to a 37-run knock by Azharuddin and 38 runs by Jaydev Shah. Sourav Ganguly's XI, captained by Ganguly, responded with 100/4 in the second innings, but Ganguly's dismissal on 2 off 6 balls ensured Jay Shah's XI won the game. The contest, as per India Today, highlighted the seamless integration of administrative talent with cricket expertise.

Conclusion

The ascension of Jay Shah to the role of BCCI Secretary marks a significant development in the cricket world. While his journey has been unique, it reflects the Indian cricket ecosystem's peculiarities where family support and business acumen often play a crucial role. As he navigates his role, the blend of administrative know-how and the support structure he has access to may prove instrumental in steering BCCI towards new heights.

Note: The information provided is accurate to the best of our current knowledge and understanding. Some details and information may be subject to change as official announcements and updates from BCCI and AWWIC (Asian Cricket Council).