Short Description
ICC chairperson Jay Shah joins the newly formed World Cricket Connects Advisory Board, convening influential figures to address the future challenges of cricket at Lord’s.
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2 minutes 45 seconds
Main Article
In a significant development for global cricket, ICC chairperson Jay Shah has been inducted into the newly established World Cricket Connects Advisory Board. This independent body, designed to address the evolving challenges and opportunities within the sport, will hold its inaugural meeting at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 7 and 8, 2025. This initiative, introduced by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), aims to create a platform for influential cricket stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding the sport’s strategic future.
Shah, who took over as the ICC chairperson on December 1, 2022, is widely regarded as a key figure in the global cricket landscape. His involvement in the World Cricket Connects forum builds upon last year’s inaugural event, which saw approximately 120 of the game’s leading voices—ranging from ICC representatives to renowned broadcasters and former players—gathered to discuss cricket’s future. The aim is to evolve the World Cricket Connects concept into the foremost symposium in cricket, addressing pressing issues like the future of the ICC World Test Championship and the incorporation of modern technology in cricket.
This newly formed Advisory Board replaces the MCC World Cricket Committee, expanding its mission to include even broader discussions surrounding the sport. The board will consist of a diverse group of cricket figures, including eminent former players and current administrators. Prominent members include Kumar Sangakkara, Sourav Ganguly, and Heather Knight, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and knowledge crucial for shaping cricket’s strategic agenda.
MCC chair Mark Nicholas expressed enthusiasm about the Advisory Board’s potential impact, emphasizing the importance of addressing key topics that affect the viability and success of cricket as a global sport. This year’s World Cricket Connects promises to not only continue the dialogue initiated last year but also introduce new perspectives that may help to steer cricket towards a more favorable future.
As cricket continues to evolve amid various challenges—from player welfare to the integration of technology—the establishment of the World Cricket Connects Advisory Board represents a significant step towards creating consensus and expressing a collective vision for the sport. With influential leaders collaborating on strategic issues, the board aims to foster an environment where innovative ideas can emerge, paving the way for cricket’s sustainable growth in the years to come.
Short Summary
Jay Shah’s induction into the World Cricket Connects Advisory Board marks a pivotal moment for cricket, bringing together top figures to address the sport’s future challenges. This initiative underscores the importance of strategic dialogue in ensuring cricket’s growth and adaptability in an ever-changing landscape.
