Jay Shah’s Leadership at ICC: Major Challenges He Must Confront

Jay Shah, the newly appointed ICC Chairman, steps into his role at a crucial time for international cricket. As the world of cricket evolves rapidly, with new dynamics and unprecedented challenges, Shah’s leadership will be instrumental in navigating the sport through this transformative phase. Among the myriad of responsibilities on his plate, three major challenges stand out: sealing broadcasting rights, balancing international cricket with the rise of franchise leagues, and globalizing the sport, particularly with an eye on the Olympics.

One of Jay Shah’s trickiest googlies to face is nailing down broadcasting rights that match the true worth and global appeal of international cricket. Back in 2022, the ICC hit a massive six with a $3 billion deal with Disney-Star, locking in broadcasting rights through the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, following the tournament, broadcasters sought a $100 million reduction, pointing to factors such as match washouts, low scores, and time zone differences that impacted viewership.

This isn’t just about balancing the books; it’s about keeping ICC events as the crown jewels in a crowded broadcasting line-up. With heavy hitters like the 2025 Champions Trophy, 2026 T20 World Cup, and the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, Jay Shah’s footwork in the broadcasting arena will be crucial.

The rise of franchise cricket, especially the IPL, has turned the cricketing world on its head. With the IPL eyeing an expansion to a whopping 84 matches, the spotlight on international cricket is starting to dim, especially for those routine bilateral series that now feel like net practice. Players are swapping their central contracts for the glitz and glam of franchise dollars faster than a T20 run chase. With all the action on the franchise front, one has to wonder if international cricket might soon need a DRS review to check if it's still in the game.

Jay Shah’s leadership will be tested in finding a balance between international and franchise cricket. While ICC events will continue to hold precedence, the challenge lies in ensuring that bilateral series remain meaningful and that all three formats of the game—Test, ODI, and T20—thrive. One of Shah’s expected initiatives is the introduction of a separate Test fund, supported by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket Australia (CA). This fund aims to preserve the relevance of Test cricket, ensuring that it remains a viable and prestigious format in the face of growing T20 dominance.

The globalization of cricket is another significant challenge for Jay Shah. While the sport has traditionally been dominated by a handful of countries, there is a growing push to expand its footprint globally. The 2024 T20 World Cup, held in the USA, was a critical step in this direction, although it faced challenges that limited its impact. With the 2026 T20 World Cup set to feature 20 teams, the stage is set for further expansion.

One of Shah’s major goals will be to leverage this momentum and drive the sport’s globalization, particularly with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon. Cricket’s inclusion in the Olympics represents a unique opportunity to introduce the sport to a global audience and secure its place as a truly international sport.