ICC president Jay Shah took an impressive step to take cricket to more countries. The International Cricket Council has their own global initiatives to expand cricket bases in more countries.

Over the years, cricket emerged as one of the most popular and cash-rich sports across the world but has yet to make an effective step on European soil. With the target to achieve this target, Jay Shah visited Munich to meet with UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin ahead of the UEFA Champions League final between Inter Milan and PSG. Shah took to his official social media handle to inform about his visit to Munich and conversation with the UEFA president.

"Honored to represent cricket in Munich ahead of the Champions League Final and have discussions with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. It's always valuable to spend time with other sporting leaders as the ICC expands our sport's global reach," Jay Shah said this on social media. 

Honoured to represent cricket in Munich ahead of the @championsleague Final and have discussions with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. It's always valuable to spend time with other sporting leaders as the @ICC expands our sport's global reach. pic.twitter.com/DdBTWpMRqy

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) May 31, 2025

Read More: Watch: Former RCB player AB de Villiers playing wheelchair cricket in Mumbai

An unexpected collaboration before the final

The final match between Milan and PSG will be held at the Allianz Arena. As per the recent results and on-field performances, both teams have almost the same chances and potential to claim the prestigious title of club football. But according to stats and expert opinions, the team from Paris has slightly better chances to hoist the trophy over Milan.

But the PSG defense may have to show more discretion, as the opponent team has a striker like Lautaro Martinez, who has already netted 9 goals. On the other hand, Moroccan side back Achraf Hakimi so far has been experiencing a dream run in this tournament with 5 assists. 

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is coming under increased scrutiny over what is labelled by many as outright inconsistency in how it handles political expression during sport. The scandal has been rekindled following a stark contrast between how Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja was treated and the move by ICC Chairman Jay Shah.

In December 2023, Pakistani-Australian top-order batter Usman Khawaja, who is a practising Muslim, attempted to make a strong yet understated gesture of peace before Australia's Test tour of Pakistan. He was going to wear boots bearing the slogans "Freedom is a human right" and "All lives are equal", as well as a symbol of a dove. The action was broadly interpreted as an appeal for peace and human rights during the escalating humanitarian situation in the Middle East.

Critics Question ICC's Different Rules for Khawaja and Shah

Still, the ICC held that the message was a political one and banned Khawaja from continuing. Complying, Khawaja avoided using the equipment and instead wore a black armband during the game as a quiet protest. Even so, he was chastised, with the ICC clarifying its stern policy against "personal messages" on playing materials.

Fast forward to 2025, and there is a fresh row taking centre stage. The ICC Chairman and secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah, in public, endorsed the Indian armed forces during recent tensions at the border with Pakistan. In an Instagram post, later deleted, Shah posted: "Our Defence Forces are our pride, and no words can describe their valour and dedication towards safeguarding our motherland and citizens… Let us come together to salute our heroes and create a united, stronger India."

ALSO SEE: WATCH: Rohit Sharma's epic reply after Ravi Shastri challenges him to hit six in his stand

Shah's appeal was widely seen as a nationalistic show of support in the wake of geopolitical tension, the very kind of sentiment the ICC alleges to prohibit on the field of cricket. The seeming double standard has not passed unpunished. Respected Australian cricket writer Malcolm Conn was at the forefront of the outrage, calling out the ICC for what he described as "staggering hypocrisy." He went to X (formerly Twitter), saying: "So Usman Khawaja is banned by the ICC from placing a dove on his bat in favour of peace in the Middle East, but ICC chairman Jay Shah, the son of India's home affairs minister, can freely endorse the Indian army during war. Staggering hypocrisy."

The remark set off a storm of responses from fans, journalists, and past players, who mostly shared the opinion that the enforcement of the ICC's code seems selective and possibly guided by political or institutional prejudices.

Calls Mount for ICC to Explain Rules in the Wake of Credibility Questions

The ICC is yet to make any public response to the criticism or clarify its stance on Shah's social media post. Critics, meanwhile, say that Khawaja's message had been apolitical and humanitarian, whereas Shah's post was politically and nationally charged, highlighting the inconsistency in ICC's regulatory policy. Fueling the flames is the political pedigree of Shah.

Being the son of India's Home Minister Amit Shah and a key figure in Indian cricket administration, conflict of interest, influence, and impartiality are being questioned at the top level of world cricket administration. While supporters and pundits now urge the ICC to state plainly where it stands regarding political messaging and enforce those standards equally without regard to nationality, religion, or position, for now, the optics of this have left many questioning the ICC's credibility as a neutral global authority.

The growing influence of Indian cricket administrators is once again making headlines, as reports claim that officials from India played an underhanded role in blocking Pakistan’s attempts to host the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. A report by Cricbuzz said that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially declined a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to host the remainder of the PSL season in England — assuming that Indian officials’ diplomatic nudge wasn’t the final straw. 

Sources who are close to the conclusion are obvious Indian cricket officials, particularly BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who considerably influenced the decision for the ECB to turn down Pakistan’s request. The PCB's request to host the remainder of the PSL in England came after a series of logistical and security issues made it nearly impossible to stage the rest of the league in Pakistan. Following discussions, England was decided on as a feasible alternative that would be neutral for both teams, and Pakistani officials thought it would not cause undue harm to their brands. However, Indian officials did not want the Pakistani brand to grow any foundation on English soil, especially with multiple logistical concerns being raised in the UK and high stakes for broadcast and commercial exposure.

Jay Shah’s well-documented connections with cricket boards in the UAE and other international venues are believed to have played a pivotal role in swaying decisions. He is becoming more prominent in the global cricket administration landscape, including influence within the ICC, and connects with officials across national boards. These factors have strengthened India's voice in international cricket issues, which is already very loud, and this event illustrates how soft power and necessary diplomacy are increasingly influencing the geopolitical story of cricket.

India’s Strategic Cricket Diplomacy Continues to Shape Global Tournaments

This isn’t the first time India’s cricket board has influenced the international scheduling or venue dynamics. The BCCI has often relied on its enormous commercial power (and relationships) to either endorse or indirectly stop rivals from a hosting perspective. As India remains the largest market for cricket viewing and sponsorship, such action is mainly based on long-term strategies.

🚨 INDIAN CRICKET ADMINISTRATORS ON ROLL 🚨

- ECB declined PCB's request to host the remaining matches of PSL 2025 after nudge from Indian Cricket Administrators. [Cricbuzz]

Jay Shah's strong links with UAE's leadership & cricket board are understood to have played a… pic.twitter.com/Y46dKX6JyK

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 10, 2025

Also Read: How much money did BCCI lose per game due to IPL 2025 suspension?

For Pakistan, this rejection is indeed a significant setback, not only for its signature event but also for its wider ambition for recovery and to rehabilitate its presence in global cricket. As India starts to cement its authority both administratively and diplomatically, boards like the PCB will need to start thinking about international coordination, especially the informal endorsement of BCCI.

In a significant step toward preparing for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, Jay Shah, the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), recently visited South Africa to inspect key venues for the tournament. The World Cup event scheduled for October and November 2027 will have South Africa and Zimbabwe as joint hosts together with Namibia in what represents South Africa's and Zimbabwe's second World Cup collaboration since 2003 and Namibia's first hosting of the tournament. The ICC demonstrates its dedication to creating premium tournament spaces for the 14-team competition because Shah toured facilities for the upcoming 2027 World Cup.

Lions Cricket South Africa extended a warm welcome to both Shah and Cricket South Africa (CSA) Vice President Dr. Mohammed Moosajee when they visited the legendary DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on April 16, 2025. The stadium tour concluded with a fantastic lunch demonstration of the venue's capability to execute major competitions. The 2003 World Cup final occurred at Wanderers Stadium, which now has a 30,000-person capacity and serves as one among eight South African stadium choices. The eight confirmed South African venues for the tournament encompass Kingsmead in Durban and Newlands in Cape Town and also include SuperSport Park in Centurion as well as St. George’s Park in Gqeberha and Boland Park in Paarl and Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein and Buffalo Park in East London.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Rohit Sharma honored with special Memento by BCCI president Roger Binny

The venues were strategically selected by CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki according to hotel availability and airport accessibility criteria. The qualification process for Namibia stands separate from automatic qualification for South Africa and Zimbabwe, which includes hosting rights. South African officials work closely with ICC President Shashank Manohar to supervise tournament preparations because they need to maintain international standards throughout the infrastructure development and event operations and fan attendance convenience.

Venue Preparations and Regional Impact

The 2027 ODI World Cup will bring out Southern Africa’s traditional cricket culture while sharing its welcoming traditions with the world. The ICC evaluates three major South African cities with their selected venues to satisfy their specifications for facilities for players, media personnel, and spectators. Wanderers Stadium is receiving upgrades to qualify as a prime location for hosting important matches, which could include the final of the tournament, because of its cultural importance combined with contemporary features.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs PBKS Match 34 - A Head to Head breakdown

The co-host partnership between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will stimulate cricket development throughout the region beyond South African borders. Matches during the upcoming tournament will be divided between the cities of Harare and Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, while Namibia receives a minor role, which signals progress of its developing cricket community. The World Cup’s planned development includes South African matches as the ICC works to build a unified tournament that advances cricket throughout these three countries, as demonstrated by Shah’s tour.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, a huge and holy event which occurs every 12 years in India, is a magnet to millions of devotees in quest of spiritual renewal. In 2025, the Mela at Prayagraj did not see just pilgrims, but a few well-known cricketers of India too, who walked the banks of the holy Sangam to experience this phenomenon.

Among the cricketers who made it to the Maha Kumbh Mela were past and present stars, some of whom tweeted and spoke in interviews about the experience, sharing how spiritually rewarding the event was.

Suresh Raina 

Mary Kom and Suresh Raina went for a dip in the Ganga at the weekend. Raina shared images from his dip on social media, whereas Mary Kom was spotted enjoying herself to the fullest at the spot. Raina went onto social media to share a small peep into his spiritual experience and termed his visit an experience to remember.

Just had an unforgettable darshan experience at Mahakumbh! Felt the divine energy & spirituality of the gathering. Blessed to be a part of this sacred event #Mahakumbh #Darshan #SpiritualExperience #DivineBlessings" pic.twitter.com/j7gClY6DWc

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) January 25, 2025

Anil Kumble

ALSO SEE : Best Ruled Out XI for Champions Trophy 2025

Anil Kumble and his wife came to Prayagraj on Tuesday and had a holy dip on Magh Purnima, a day without VIP security. They came to the holy confluence by boat, sharing the experience like common pilgrims.

Blessed 🙏🏽#MahaKumbh #Prayagraj pic.twitter.com/OFY6T3yF5F

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) February 12, 2025

R.P.Singh

former Indian cricketer and T20 World Cup-winning pacer RP Singh attended the event and lauded the government for handling everything well

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP | On #MahaKumbhMela2025, Cricketer RP Singh says, "I have come here for the second time. The management here is great and I am very fortunate that I got the opportunity of Kumbh Snan in this time period... It is difficult to think how 50 crore people could… pic.twitter.com/olW4RkOOre

— ANI (@ANI) February 17, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar

Gavaskar visits the Sangam in Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh.

Sunil Gavaskar takes a holy dip at Sangam in Prayagraj during Mahakumbh. 🙏✨#Cricket #India #BCCI #SunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/RSIe4P872L

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 18, 2025

Mohammad Kaif

ALSO SEE : Virat Kohli vs. Babar Azam: A Battle of Modern-Day Batting Greats

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif visited Prayagraj ahead of the Maha Kumbh festival and took a dip in the Yamuna River.

Abe isi Jamuna ji mein tairaki seekha hoon 😀 #sangam #prayagraj pic.twitter.com/yVs67yJMWb

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 29, 2024

Jay shah

ICC Chairman Jay Shah, along with his family, arrived at Prayagraj on January 27 to attend the Maha Kumbh, a festival steeped in spirituality and tradition.

#WATCH | #MahaKumbh2025 | Saints bless the baby boy of Jay Shah - ICC chairman and son of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/97qA7hwuOb

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2025

#WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah along with his family, in the presence of several saints and CM Yogi Adityanath, performs 'aarti' at Triveni Sangam during #Mahakumbh2025 in Prayagraj pic.twitter.com/K8bftnGKwg

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2025

Apart from Shah, his son and ICC chairman Jay Shah also visited the Maha Kumbh. Clad in saffron attire like his father, the cricket administrator sought blessings from the seers for his newborn son.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah Offers Prayers at Hanumangarhi Temple in Ayodhya on Republic Day 2025

Jay Shah went to the Hanumangarhi Temple in Ayodhya on a special holiday, Republic Day, in 2025. Sourav Ganguly, is also one of these 13 important persons on the board, which is going to help cricket become popular all over the world.

#WATCH | Chairman - International Cricket Council (ICC), Jay Shah arrives at Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya pic.twitter.com/pRGppHM2PJ

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025

They all listen to the well known cricket player from Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara. Now, he helps to come up with ideas for the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) because they believe he is very smart and knows a lot about cricket. In addition, Jay Shah is also one of the 13 who started the World Cricket Connects Advisory Board because he understands cricket very well and wants to make it improve all over the world.

ALSO READ: Sajid Khan Brings John Cena's Iconic 'You Can't See Me' Celebration to Pakistan vs West Indies Match

#WATCH | Ayodhya: International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah offers prayers at Hanumangarhi Temple. pic.twitter.com/CmaW2urWTr

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025

Jay Shah loves cricket a lot and cares deeply about his job. By going to temples and being part of major cricket leagues, he shows he believes in what he's doing without any unsure pause. Because of his work, he's going to be vitally important for cricket games all over the world, or take in the need for them.

Devajit Saikia, a distinguished former cricketer and advocate from Assam, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), replacing Jay Shah. His appointment was officially confirmed during a Special General Meeting (SGM) held on January 12, 2025, in Mumbai, where he was elected unopposed for the prestigious position. This move marks an important transition in Indian cricket administration, as Saikia steps into a critical role overseeing the operations and policies of one of the most powerful cricketing bodies in the world.

ALSO READ:India's Squad Set for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Announcement

Background and Career

Devajit Saikia was born on April 19, 1969, in Guwahati, Assam. He completed his schooling at Don Bosco School, Guwahati, and later pursued his higher education at Cotton College under Gauhati University. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics in 1990 and a Master's degree in Economics in 1994. Additionally, Saikia obtained a Law degree (LLB) from Old Earle Law College (now known as BRM Govt. Law College) in 1996. His academic background reflects a well-rounded personality, balancing his professional interests in both sports and law.

Saikia’s cricketing journey began in the early 1990s when he represented Assam as a wicketkeeper and middle-order batter in first-class cricket. His notable contribution came in the 1990-1991 season, where he played four first-class matches, scoring 53 runs. Although his playing career was brief, Saikia made significant contributions behind the stumps, recording nine dismissals during his playing tenure.

After his playing days were over, Saikia shifted his focus to law, becoming an advocate at the Guwahati High Court at the age of 28. His expertise in both cricket and law made him a valuable asset in cricket administration, where he made a name for himself. Saikia became the Secretary of the Assam Cricket Association, where he contributed to the development of the sport at the regional level. His leadership and administrative capabilities were recognized, and in October 2022, he was appointed as the Joint Secretary of the BCCI. His most recent promotion to Secretary is a testament to his dedication and efficiency in handling cricketing affairs.

Role 

As the new Secretary of the BCCI, Devajit Saikia will have a significant role in managing and overseeing the board's extensive operations. The BCCI is responsible for organizing international and domestic cricket events, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), managing player welfare, setting up developmental programs, and ensuring the financial health of the organization. Saikia's primary task will be to ensure smooth administrative functioning, handle negotiations, and enhance India’s cricketing performance on the global stage.

One of the key aspects of his appointment is the critical timing, as the BCCI aims to elevate India's standing in world cricket. With a packed international calendar and the ever-growing popularity of the IPL, Saikia's leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives to various administrative challenges.

#Watch | Devajit Saikia elected new BCCI secretary#DevajitSaikia #BCCISecetary #BCCI #CricketLeadership #IndianCricket pic.twitter.com/v9feFla4vP

— Moneycontrol (@moneycontrolcom) January 12, 2025

Recent Developments

Since assuming his role as Secretary, Saikia has already been involved in some crucial BCCI discussions. His first official task included a meeting with BCCI President Roger Binny, where they discussed India’s performance in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. This meeting was part of Saikia’s initial steps in shaping BCCI's approach towards improving cricket at both the national and international levels.

Devajit Saikia’s rise to the role of Secretary marks a new era for the BCCI, particularly with the growing importance of India’s cricketing achievements and the expanding footprint of the IPL. His dual expertise in law and cricket administration is expected to provide the BCCI with a unique perspective on resolving disputes, managing players, and securing long-term partnerships for the betterment of the sport.

While his predecessor, Jay Shah, has left behind a robust legacy, Saikia’s appointment is viewed as an opportunity to continue the momentum and bring new ideas to the table. As India continues to dominate world cricket, Saikia’s role will be crucial in shaping the future of Indian cricket, both on and off the field.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on how Saikia manages the dynamic challenges that come with the territory of BCCI Secretary, as he navigates through the complexities of governance, media relations, and international cricket diplomacy.

For more details, Devajit Saikia’s background and further developments in his career are expected to unfold in the months ahead, making this appointment one to watch closely in the realm of Indian sports.

Assam wicket-keeper batsman Devjit Saikia has been elected as the new secretary of BCCI after Jay Shah was appointed the head of the ICC (International Cricket Council). 

The position of BCCI secretary was vacant since December because by then Jay Shah had been appointed as ICC chairman. Devajit Saikia's name had been given however, he was not officially announced as BCCI secretary.

Saikia had his official meeting of BCCI with coach Gautam Gambhir, Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar, and BCCI President Roger Binny last Saturday.

Also Read: You've got to give Gambhir some slack: Dinesh Karthik

The meeting was to review the performance of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and future things related to captaincy after Rohit Sharma’s retirement as he (Rohit Sharma) said, he will retire after the Champions Trophy till the BCCI grooms a captain and Rohit will support BCCI decision and he will groom the future captain. 

Who is Devajit Saikia?

Devajit Saikia comes from Assam and has a background in cricket unlike Jay Shah, he has played between 1990 to 1991. He has managed to play only 4 matches, scored only 53 runs, and served as a wicket-keeper batsman. 

After an unsuccessful cricketing career, he started practicing as a lawyer at 28 in the Gauhati High Court. Before becoming a lawyer he served in RBI and Northern Frontier Railways (NFR) with sports quota. 

Saikia entered the cricket administration in 2016 as the vice president of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) under Hemanta Biswasarma's presidency. He became the ACA secretary in 2019.

The leaders in a meeting are encouraged to contemplate groups like the ECB, BCCI, and Cricket Australia, are conversing about changing things in Test cricket. They're planning on splitting it into two leagues, with six teams in each. To make it more exciting, they desire to introduce a way for teams to climb up or fall down between these leagues.Why, it's to keep the games exciting and make sure that the top teams fight it out more frequently.

They're also thinking about setting aside specific times for Test matches so fans can follow the games without breaks and enjoy it more. This entire plan is about making Test cricket more exciting and overtly competitive.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) set up a $15 million fund, at the same time, to keep Test cricket alive, so the best players don't leave it for those games that make a lot of money. The money is there to make sure Test players are excellently paid more for each game and to help cover the costs of tours. They're doing this to keep the traditional methods of playing cricket exciting and going strong.

Cricket's leaders are really working hard to bring new energy to Test Cricket, so it's enjoyable to see and makes money. They're trying their best to keep the antiquated style of the game spectacular for the fans and the players too.

ALSO READ: Rishi Dhawan has officially announced his retirement from Indian limited-overs cricket

ICC Men's Test Team Rankings

As of January 2025, the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings are:

🚨 INDIA, AUSTRALIA AND ENGLAND TO PLAY EACH OTHER OFTEN. 🚨

- Jay Shah, Cricket Australia and ECB are in talks to split Test cricket into two divisions so the big 3 nations can play each other more often. (The Age). pic.twitter.com/6GrBOVJ1Vw

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 6, 2025

Top 5 Test cricket series/events with the highest viewership worldwide

Jay Shah, Cricket Australia, and the England and Wales Cricket Board are discussing revamping Test cricket with a new system that has two divisions. They want to change things so that the major teams India, Australia, and England get to face off more, while also attempting to help the other teams move up with a system that allows teams to get promoted or relegated.

By trying different and new options and making teams work hard to keep their place, they're hoping to make Test cricket much more interesting and clearly competitive from top to bottom. The important idea behind all of this is to get more people watching Test cricket bring in more sponsors by setting up big-name matches and, basically, make Test cricket better and more interesting than ever, especially since, today, the shorter T20 games are getting all the attention. They're trying to keep everyone involved and excited about what could be a major change for the better.

As per sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently got in touch with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to express their desire to host the India-Pakistan clash in Dubai, UAE. The venue was decided following a meeting between Sheikh Mubarak Al Nahyan, the chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), and Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the PCB.  The meeting took place during Al Nahyan's tour to Pakistan in Sanghar in the Sindh province of Pakistan.

See also: ICC Champions Trophy schedule under consideration, India set to clash with Pakistan on Feb 23

Dubai nears the final stages of confirmation as the neutral venue

With PCB and ECB successfully coming to an agreement on selecting a neutral venue, Dubai has almost been bookmarked to host the iconic India-Pakistan clash. Additionally, two other venues such as Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are also in consideration but due to the ground's enormous seating capacity, Dubai will take precedence. 

A statement from a PCB official read the following: 

"The PCB has chosen the UAE as the neutral venue and the PCB has formally informed the ICC about the decision. Now, India and Pakistan's Champions Trophy matches will be held in the UAE. The final decision was made after a meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Al Nahyan." 

As per ICC, the selection of a neutral venue for any global event rests solely on the discretion of the host board. PCB also explored other options like Sri Lanka but eventually decided to narrow down to UAE.

Looking beyond Champions Trophy

As per the agreement reached by BCCI and PCB earlier, both boards have decided to play each other in what's now called a "fusion model". On December 19, the ICC confirmed that both India and Pakistan will face each other in future ICC events in neutral venues for the next three years.

This will apply to the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 (Pakistan), ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 (India) and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 (India and Sri Lanka). The clarity around venues for the forthcoming Indo-Pak clashes puts an end to a lingering dispute between India and Pakistan which has long existed due to ongoing political tensions.