Jay Shah Biography: The Rise of Cricket’s Youngest Global Chair

Jay Shah, the son of India’s Home Minister, emerged from Gujarat Cricket Association to become the youngest-ever ICC Chairman in December 2024. A dynamic cricket administrator, his tenure shaped IPL’s landmark media deals, spearheaded the WPL launch, and prioritized women’s and Test cricket development globally.

🧒 Early Life & Education

Born on September 22, 1988, in Gujarat, Jay Shah earned a B.Tech from Nirma University in Ahmedabad. His engineering background informs his analytical approach to cricket administration.

🏟️ Gujarat Cricket Association & Narendra Modi Stadium

Shah began his cricket administration journey in 2009 with GCA and became its Joint Secretary in 2013. He played a key role in constructing the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—now the world’s largest cricket stadium,

🔧 Global Rise: BCCI, ACC & ICC Leadership

  • Joined BCCI finance and marketing committees in 2015, later becoming its youngest Secretary in October 2019 at just 31.
  • As Secretary, he oversaw the 2022 IPL media rights deal worth ₹48,390 crore, catapulting IPL to 2nd globally in match value after the NFL.
  • Became President of ACC in January 2021, re-elected in 2024 despite rotation norms.
  • Elected unopposed as ICC Chairman on December 1, 2024—the youngest ever at age 36.

🎯 Vision & Initiatives

Jay Shah has stressed a dual focus: promoting Test cricket and expanding cricket into new global markets—including Olympic inclusion in LA 2028. He also supported establishing a global Test fund to support smaller cricket nations.

He launched prize money and pay parity schemes for men’s, women’s, and junior cricketers, and spearheaded the Women’s Premier League (WPL) launch, generating ₹4,669 crore in franchise value and ₹951 crore in media rights.

🧾 Career Highlights & Stats (as of August 2025)

RoleFrom/YearsKey Achievements
GCA Executive Board Member2009–2013Oversaw Narendra Modi Stadium construction
GCA Joint Secretary2013Infrastructure leadership
BCCI Finance & Marketing Committee2015Digital revenue models, IPL broadcast rights
BCCI Secretary2019–Dec 2024Led IPL ₹48,390 crore media auction
ACC President2021–Dec 2024Re-elected despite momentum shift in regional rotation
ICC Accountant & F&CA Committee Head2022Key influence on global cricket policy
ICC ChairmanFrom Dec 1, 2024Youngest ever, guiding 2028 Olympics inclusion, global expansion

💰 Net Worth & Income Sources

Jay Shah’s estimated net worth is ₹124 crore (~USD $15M). His income stems from:

  • BCCI performance allowances (₹40–80k/day depending on meetings)
  • Business ventures: 60% stake in Kusum Finserve and directorship in Temple Enterprises.

His exact ICC compensation follows allowances-based structure—it does not include a fixed salary.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Family & Personal Life

Married to Rishita Patel since 2015, Jay Shah has three children. His father is senior politician Amit Shah. He keeps a low public profile outside his cricket roles.

🔍 Recognition & Media Presence

  • Awarded Sports Business Leader of the Year (CII, 2023)
  • Named Game Changer of the Year at CNBC-TV18 IBLA 2023
  • Honored with CEAT Excellence in Sports Administration (2024)
  • Conferred Icon of Excellence Award at Forbes India Leadership Awards (2025)

He showcased ICC’s global ambitions by attending a Major League Cricket double-header in Oakland in 2025.

⁉️ FAQs About Jay Shah

Q. How old is Jay Shah, and when did he become ICC Chairman?

A: Born September 22, 1988—elected as ICC Chairman at age 36, starting December 1, 2024.

Q. What major IPL deal is he known for?

A: Oversaw the landmark ₹48,390 crore IPL rights auction in 2022, making IPL the second-most valuable cricket league globally.

Q. What is his net worth?

A: Estimated at ₹124 crore, from administrative earnings and businesses like Kusum Finserve.

Q. What initiatives for women’s cricket did he lead?

A: Introduced women’s match fees equal to men, launched the successful WPL franchise and media rights structure.

Q. What controversial challenges lie ahead?

A: Managing calendar congestion, franchise vs international tensions, and deciding on Champions Trophy venues amidst India-Pakistan diplomacy.

✅ Final Thoughts

Jay Shah’s rapid ascent from GCA to ICC Chairman at 36 underscores his influence in cricket governance. He combines strategic vision—through media rights, WPL, and Olympic inclusion—with a pragmatic drive to professionalize domestic and women’s cricket. As global cricket navigates evolving challenges, his leadership will be pivotal in shaping the sport’s future.

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