From BCCI to ICC: A Meteoric Rise for Jay Shah

Jay Shah’s journey in cricket administration has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as an executive board member with the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) in 2009, Shah’s strategic vision and leadership qualities quickly propelled him through the ranks.

His tenure as the BCCI secretary since 2019 has been marked by significant financial growth for the IPL, the initiation of the Women’s Premier League, and a push towards equal pay for male and female cricketers in India. His role as the president of the Asian Cricket Council further cemented his influence in the cricketing world.

A Vision for Global Cricket

Upon his election, Shah expressed a clear vision for his term at the ICC. His primary goal is not just to maintain but to enhance cricket’s global footprint. “Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before,” Shah declared on his appointment. Here’s how he plans to achieve this:

• Olympic Inclusion: Cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is seen as a landmark event under Shah’s leadership. This move is expected to introduce the sport to new audiences worldwide, potentially increasing its Olympic medal tally and global appeal.
• Balancing Formats: While acknowledging the excitement of T20 cricket, Shah emphasizes the importance of preserving Test cricket. He has proposed initiatives to make hosting Test matches more financially viable for member nations, ensuring the format’s survival and relevance.
• Technological Adoption: Shah aims to leverage technology to enhance the fan experience and the game’s integrity, from improving broadcast quality to implementing anti-corruption measures.
• Empowerment of Women and Differently-Abled Cricket: A significant focus will be on women’s cricket, with plans to expand resources and visibility. Shah also advocates for the development of cricket for the differently-abled, aiming to make the sport universally accessible.

Challenges Ahead

The path ahead for Shah is not without its hurdles. His election has been met with both enthusiasm and scrutiny. Some see it as an opportunity for Indian cricket to further dominate global cricket politics, while others are hopeful that Shah’s tenure will mark a period of equitable growth for all cricketing nations. His handling of the Champions Trophy, especially the potential hosting issues in Pakistan, will be a litmus test of his diplomatic and administrative acumen.

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Jay Shah’s appointment as ICC Chairman is more than just a leadership change; it’s a signal of cricket’s intent to evolve in an ever-changing global sports landscape. His background, coupled with his vision, positions him uniquely to lead cricket into uncharted territories, particularly with the Olympics on the horizon. As cricket enthusiasts around the world watch, the expectations from Shah are high, but so too is the potential for the sport under his stewardship to transcend its current boundaries and truly become a global spectacle.

Reason For US Visa Denial Of Nepal Cricket Star

Sandeep Lamichhane, a key player for the Nepal cricket team, was crucial in their qualification for the T20 World Cup. The leg-spinner was acquitted of rape charges after the Patan High Court overturned a previous verdict that had sentenced him to eight years in jail. Following the court’s decision, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) lifted Lamichhane’s suspension, paving the way for his participation in the global tournament.

The US Embassy in Nepal, however, rejected Lamichhane’s visa application. It is assumed the reason for the denial of a US Visa could be the history related to the Rape Charges on the Star. This decision was met with shock and disappointment by Lamichhane himself, as well as by cricket fans in Nepal. The leg-spinner expressed his regret on social media, lamenting the missed opportunity to represent his country in the T20 World Cup

Nepal Cricket Fans Stage A Protest Outside the US Embassy in Kathmandu

The visa denial sparked widespread protests in Nepal. Youth in the capital city, Kathmandu, took to the streets to demand a visa for Lamichhane, urging authorities to allow his participation in the tournament. Demonstrators gathered outside the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar and planned further protests outside the US Embassy to exert pressure on authorities for the issuance of Lamichhane’s visa.

Despite the visa denial and the ensuing protests, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has not given up hope on including Lamichhane in their T20 World Cup squad. The CAN president, Chatur Bahadur Chand, revealed efforts to lobby the embassy through the Nepal government in hopes of securing Lamichhane’s participation. However, with the T20 World Cup set to commence next Saturday, co-hosted by the United States and West Indies, the absence of Lamichhane poses a significant challenge for Nepal’s team.

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As the T20 World Cup approaches, the visa denial to Sandeep Lamichhane continues to be a contentious issue. The protests and efforts to resolve the issue highlight the importance of Lamichhane to Nepal’s cricket team and the disappointment and frustration felt by his fans. With the final squad announcement deadline looming, it remains to be seen whether Nepal will be able to accommodate Lamichhane in the 15-member squad.

The ICC Champions Trophy, a premier cricket tournament, showcases intense battles among top teams. Held every four years, it epitomizes cricket’s pinnacle, drawing global attention. Teams vie fiercely, displaying skill, strategy, and determination. With nail-biting matches, it captivates fans worldwide, fostering a spirit of competition and camaraderie. Established in 1998, it has evolved into a celebrated event revered by players and enthusiasts alike. Amidst electrifying atmospheres, legends emerge, and underdogs triumph, etching unforgettable moments in cricket history. As teams clash for glory, the ICC Champions Trophy continues to reign as a spectacle of excellence and sportsmanship.

Will India Participate in Champions Trophy 2025?

India and Pakistan have a long history in cricket and outside of it. But ever since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, both nations have parted ways with respect to sports or any other activities. Team India has not travelled to Pakistan for a bilateral series or even an ICC event. However, there hasn’t been any ICC event taking place in Pakistan in a long time. According to a source from the BCCI said, “India might skip the 2025 Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and there’s talk of changing the venue or using a hybrid model.” (IANS)

If we look at past ICC or ACC events, India has always shied away from touring Pakistan. Last Year, during the Asia Cup, India influenced the organisers, and the event, which was supposed to be hosted by Pakistan, was shifted towards a Hybrid model. Evidently, India played all its matches in Sri Lanka, and even the Final was shifted to Sri Lanka as India was part of it.

This move heavily affected the PCB, as they eventually had to share a part of their revenue with Sri Lanka Cricket. The Pakistani fans were left dejected, as the Indian Cricket Team is the biggest box-office attraction with respect to viewership and Gate attendance.

India and Pakistan Champions Trophy Match

Last, India and Pakistan played together in England’s Champions Trophy event in 2017. However, Pakistan outperformed India in the Finals, beating them by 180 runs. Fakhar Zaman was the difference maker. The Pakistani lad played a blistering knock of 114 runs in 106 balls with twelve (4s) and three (6s). Alongside him was his teammate Mohammed Amir, who took three wickets for a mere 16 runs.

This win against India in the finals of an IIC event is a badge of honour for Pakistani players and their fans. However, two years later, India thrashed Pakistan in the group stages of the Cricket World Cup in England in 2019. Talking about travelling, Pakistan has toured India at many of the ICC events in the past, whether it is the 2011 World Cup, the 2016 T20 World Cup, or the recently concluded 2023 50-over World Cup. Pakistan has been a constant visitor, unlike India.

Why Teams Don’t Travel to Pakistan?

Pakistan has had a very unstable environment and state of affairs in their country. One of the major incidents which led other teams not to travel to Pakistan was the terrorist attack on the 2009 Sri Lankan team that travelled to Pakistan. This horrendous event shut all the doors for the Pakistan Sports fraternity. Apart from this, a Bomb blast in the Marriott hotel also made headlines. These two were just a few of many instances of unstable political structure in the country that led other teams to abandon Pakistan.

READ MORE: BCCI is working on new laws to stop retired players from participating in Foreign T20 leagues.

Coming back to India’s participation in the Champions Trophy 2025 event, as per sources, BCCI stands firm on its decision not to travel to Pakistan. However, if India doesn’t participate, it will hamper not only the PCB pockets but also the pockets of ICC. Moreover, a Hybrid model is a valid option if the governing body wishes to make money out of the event.