Jay Shah, the newly appointed chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has arrived in Brisbane ahead of critical discussions and cricketing events. Cricbuzz has learned that Shah, who previously served as the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), flew to the Australian city on a Singapore Airlines flight earlier today.
Accompanying Shah is Devajit Saikia, the BCCI joint secretary, who has temporarily assumed the secretary’s responsibilities following Shah’s resignation from the position last week. Both officials are staying at Hotel Sofitel, which also houses the Indian cricket team during their ongoing tour.
Shah’s visit is primarily centred around a meeting concerning cricket’s inclusion in the Olympic Games, with Brisbane set to host the 2032 Summer Olympics. The ICC has been advocating for cricket to be part of the Games, making this meeting pivotal for the sport’s global future. Shah is also expected to attend the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test match at the Gabba, commencing on December 14.
This trip comes at a crucial juncture for the ICC, as it navigates complex issues surrounding the Champions Trophy. Cricket Australia (CA), a key ally of the BCCI, has strongly supported India’s stance on the matter. While Shah now holds an independent position within the ICC, his ties to the BCCI remain influential. Saikia’s presence alongside him underscores the close connection between the two organizations.
Shah has also received an invitation from Cricket Australia and New South Wales Cricket to attend the Sydney Test, beginning on January 3, 2025. Although Shah was anticipated to honour the invitation, it remains uncertain how his current visit to Australia might influence those plans.
As Shah engages in discussions with Australian cricketing authorities and observes pivotal matches, his trip highlights the growing intersection of cricket with global events like the Olympics and the ongoing efforts to strengthen the sport’s international standing.