Lalit Modi Praises Jay Shah's Leadership in ICC and Indian Cricket's Dominance
Lalit Modi Commends Jay Shah's Role in ICC
London [UK], June 4: Lalit Modi, the former chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has expressed admiration for Jay Shah's leadership as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Modi emphasized that the only thriving entity in cricket today is Indian cricket.
In a conversation with a news outlet, Modi highlighted Shah's significant contributions since he assumed the ICC chairmanship in December 2024, following his tenure as secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Modi remarked, "From my perspective, Shah's impact has been substantial. His ability to facilitate and achieve results speaks volumes. He has effectively leveraged his connections, much like I have done in my career."
He further noted, "Shah has successfully navigated challenges that previously hindered the ICC, particularly during my time when we faced opposition from England and Australia. Today, with Pakistan's influence diminished, India stands strong within the ICC alongside other nations."
Indian Cricket's Financial Power
Modi also pointed out that Shah is managing a declining business within the ICC, stating, "The only successful venture in cricket today is Indian cricket. Other boards are struggling to keep up."
He defended the BCCI's dominance, asserting, "I stand by it. Historically, England controlled cricket, but now it's time for India to take the lead. The revenue generated from the IPL far surpasses what the ICC can offer, making their financial contributions seem trivial in comparison."
He elaborated, "When I began, our revenue was evenly split between the BCCI and ICC. Now, IPL accounts for 90% of our income, while other boards are experiencing a decline in their earnings."
India's Cricketing Success and Future Tournaments
Modi's observations reflect India's growing influence in global cricket, bolstered by the IPL and the emergence of cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli. According to ESPNCricinfo, the BCCI is projected to receive 38.5% of the ICC's annual revenue during the 2024-27 commercial cycle, with no other board achieving double-digit percentages.
Under Shah's leadership, the ICC has scheduled several prestigious tournaments, including the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup. Team India has solidified its status as a powerhouse in limited-overs cricket, holding multiple titles.
Additionally, a hybrid model for hosting matches between India and Pakistan at neutral venues has been approved for the upcoming tournament cycle, addressing the tense cricketing relations between the two nations due to political issues.