Mumbai, India – In a special pre-BCCI Annual General Meeting event on Saturday, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) proudly hosted a grand felicitation ceremony for International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah. This gala dinner served as a heartfelt tribute to Shah’s profound and transformative impact on the world of cricket over the past decade.
Throughout his leadership, Jay Shah has been a driving force behind significant advancements in the sport. His vision has critically bolstered the domestic cricket infrastructure, ensuring a strong foundation for talent development. Concurrently, he has played a pivotal role in elevating the stature and appeal of the Indian Premier League (IPL), making it a global phenomenon.
Perhaps most notably, Shah’s tenure has been marked by pioneering reforms in women’s cricket. Under his astute guidance, the women’s game has witnessed unprecedented growth, highlighted by substantial increases in tournament prize money. These strategic initiatives have not only fostered greater financial equality but have also dramatically enhanced recognition and opportunities for women cricketers globally.
These remarkable developments are set to culminate in the eagerly anticipated ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, scheduled to commence on September 30. This upcoming edition is poised to make history, boasting an expanded global participation, unparalleled broadcast reach, and the largest prize pool ever seen in women’s cricket.
“Jay Shah’s unwavering dedication to empowering cricket at every level has been truly extraordinary,” remarked MCA President Ajinkya Naik during the ceremony. “His trailblazing reforms, particularly those championing women’s cricket, have opened up countless opportunities and ignited inspiration among millions across the globe. As we look forward to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, it is only fitting that we commend his outstanding leadership and the visionary spirit that continues to reshape our beloved game.”
The Mumbai Cricket Association’s prestigious recognition underscores the widespread acknowledgment within the cricket community of Shah’s tireless efforts and invaluable contributions to propel cricket forward, both on the national and international stages.