In The Indian Express’ 2024 ranking of the “100 Most Powerful Indians,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah has been positioned ahead of cricket icons like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, showcasing his elevated standing in the list.
Jay Shah holds the 35th position on the list, with Virat Kohli claiming the 38th spot, making him the top-ranked cricketer. Meanwhile, Dhoni and Rohit secure the 58th and 68th positions respectively. A news outlet has hailed the BCCI official as the ‘undoubtedly the most influential figure in global cricket.’
Having ventured into cricket administration in 2013 with the Gujarat Cricket Association, Jay Shah assumed the role of BCCI secretary in 2019. In 2021, he made history by becoming the youngest president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and recently secured re-election to the same position. During his stint as the BCCI secretary, he played a key role in launching the Women’s Premier League last year, and India successfully hosted the ODI World Cup.
“Already the youngest Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief, he is in line to become the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman. Shah played a big role in the BCCI’s share of ICC’s revenues nearly doubling — from 22.8 per cent to 38.5 per cent.
“This means the BCCI will now get $231 million annually from the International body. The BCCI secretary also got his way during last year’s Asia Cup, refusing to allow India to travel to Pakistan and forcing the hosts to travel to a neutral venue to play India. Shah has unprecedented control over the BCCI that was once known for its intense power struggles and factional fighting,” Express added.
Kohli is taking a break at the moment, being by his wife Anushka Sharma’s side as they celebrate the arrival of their second child, Akaay. The ex-captain of the Indian cricket team is gearing up to make a comeback next month, just in time for the start of the Indian Premier League.
“He has long retired from international cricket but April and May — the Indian Premier League (IPL) months — belong to MS Dhoni. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper is rated among the most influential captains to ever play the game. Last year, he guided CSK to a record-equalling fifth IPL title. Regardless of geography, Dhoni is still among Indian cricket’s biggest draws,” the Express further stated.
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