On September 22, the current chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Mr Jay Shah, celebrated his 37th birthday. Last year, he became the youngest ever Chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC), a post that only added to his influence after serving as BCCI Secretary. But beyond the titles, what really stands out is how his vision has transformed Indian women’s cricket.
A few years back, women’s cricket in India didn’t get the attention or investment it deserved. In India, cricket is a religion. But the popularity of women’s cricket was not the same as it was for the men. But Things started to change under Shah’s leadership. One of the boldest decisions came in 2022, when the BCCI announced equal match fees for both men and women who represent India. It wasn’t just a financial change; it was the beginning of a new era.
Another big milestone was the birth of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023. After the IPL, the WPL has given Indian women cricketers a platform to showcase their talent on a global stage. The tournament immediately became a topic of discussion, drawing fans, sponsors, and broadcasters. For young girls picking up a bat in small towns, it suddenly felt possible to dream of making a career in cricket.
Shah has also pushed for better infrastructure and grassroots development. From new training centres to improved facilities, the aim has been to reach talent in areas that had been previously overlooked. While there’s still a long way to go in terms of equal exposure and opportunities, the intent to bring women’s cricket into the mainstream has been clearer than ever.
His role at the ICC has only widened this impact. India will host the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2025, the first major women’s global tournament in the country since 2016. This edition will also see a massive increase in prize money. An increase of nearly 300% higher than the last World Cup in 2022. Moves like this don’t just reward players financially; they help raise the status of the women’s game on a global level.
The current Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, congratulated Jay Shah on his 37th birthday. “Your intent and relentless efforts towards making the game flourish will leave a lasting impact for generations to come!” said Gambhir via X (formerly Twitter).
At 37, Jay Shah has already left a big mark on cricket administration. His rise hasn’t been free of debates or criticism, but it’s hard to deny the changes he has brought, especially for women’s cricket in India. For a sport that often sidelines its female players, his tenure has opened new doors and perhaps a new era.
