Jay Shah Honoured with Icon of Excellence Award at Forbes India Leadership Awards
Jay Shah, the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has been recognised with the prestigious Icon of Excellence Award at the 14th edition of the Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA 2025). This award celebrates his significant contributions to the world of cricket administration and his leadership in expanding the sport on a global scale.
Shah, who has been a transformative figure in cricket administration, received the award for his impactful work in driving innovation, inclusivity, and growth within the sport. From his tenure as the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to becoming the youngest-ever ICC Chairman, Shah’s leadership has been marked by pivotal changes in the sport.
The award was presented to Shah by Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Limited, and KVS Manian, MD & CEO of Federal Bank, during a high-profile ceremony at the JIO World Convention Centre in Mumbai.
During his time with the BCCI and the ICC, Shah has been a strong advocate for crucial initiatives such as achieving pay parity in cricket, launching the Women’s Premier League, and setting up the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence. Additionally, he has played a key role in increasing monthly pensions for players, all of which have helped shape the future of the game.
Shah’s journey in cricket administration began in 2009 with the Gujarat Cricket Association, where he contributed to the development of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. In 2019, he became the youngest-ever secretary of the BCCI, further solidifying his place as a leader in the world of cricket governance. He was later elected as the ICC Chairman, succeeding Greg Barclay in 2021. Shah is now the fifth Indian to hold this prestigious position, following in the footsteps of figures like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, N Srinivasan, and Shashank Manohar.
The ICC Chairman’s efforts to expand cricket’s global reach, foster international collaborations, and improve infrastructure have had a lasting impact on the game, both in India and globally.