NEW DELHI: Legendary Sachin Tendulkar praised the outgoing BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Wednesday for his groundbreaking efforts in promoting gender equality in the sport. Shah, who has been elected as the new ICC Chairman, will assume his role from December 1, making him the youngest person to hold this position at the age of 35.
During his five-year tenure as BCCI secretary, which began in October 2019, Shah has been instrumental in giving equal importance to both men’s and women’s cricket, PTI reported.
As Shah prepares to step down from his role in the BCCI to take on his new responsibilities at the ICC, Tendulkar joined numerous current and former players in extending their well-wishes and congratulations to the young administrator.
“Being enthusiastic and having the drive to do something good for cricket are essential qualities for a cricket administrator. @JayShah displayed these traits wonderfully during his stint as @BCCI secretary,” Tendulkar wrote on X.

“His endeavours towards prioritising both women’s cricket and men’s cricket have made the BCCI a pioneer that other boards can follow. I wish him the very best of luck towards the next phase of his journey, as he becomes the youngest chairman of the @ICC,” he said.
Shah will become the fifth Indian to lead the ICC, and Tendulkar expressed hope that he would continue to uphold and advance the legacy.
“India has sent several luminaries to lead the ICC as administrators: Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya, Mr. Sharad Pawar, Mr. N. Srinivasan, and Mr. Shashank Manohar. I am sure he will build on their legacy and take the game of cricket forward,” he added.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, who served as BCCI president during Shah’s first term, wrote, “Congratulations to Jay Shah @JayShah on his new role as ICC chair.. wish him a great journey ahead ..” (sic)

India’s batting mainstay Virat Kohli also congratulated Shah for his new role. “Many congratulations @JayShah on being elected as the ICC chairman. Wishing you great success ahead,” he wrote.

India’s Test and ODI skipper Rohit Sharma wrote, “Heartiest Congratulations @JayShah.”

Jasprit Bumrah also extended his wishes, “Congratulations @Jay Shah bhai! Your passion for the game will ensure it’s taken to the next level. Wishing you lots of luck!”