“Jay Shah Bhai, I know…”: Top cricketers react to Gautam Gambhir’s election as ICC president

Head coach of the Indian team Gautam GambhirBCCI President Roger Binny and all-rounder Hardik Pandya Jay Shah led the cricket community in celebration as he was unsurprisingly elected as the next International Cricket Council president on Tuesday. ICC secretary general Jay Shah was unsurprisingly elected as the next ICC president, making him the youngest global cricket administrator ever at the age of 35.

“Congratulations to Mr Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary of BCCI, on his uncontested election as the next Independent President of the International Cricket Council,” the BCCI said in a post on its official account ‘X’ (original Twitter handle).

Congratulations to Mr. Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary of BCCI, on his uncontested election as the next Independent President of the International Cricket Council.@jayshah pic.twitter.com/sKZw4mdRvi

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 27, 2024

Gambhir takes over as head coach Rahul DravidSaid: “Congratulations @JayShah bro! I know that under your excellent leadership, world cricket will grow rapidly!”

Congratulations @jayshah I know, bro, that under your excellent leadership, world cricket will flourish! pic.twitter.com/4AubdEq8Cj

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 27, 2024

Pandya, who played a key role in India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph, wrote: “Congratulations @Jay Shah bhai on being elected the youngest president of ICC.

“Looking forward to seeing you take cricket to greater heights. Your vision and drive will help the ICC, just as it helped the BCCI.”

Congratulations @jayshah Congratulations bro on being elected as the youngest president of ICC. Looking forward to seeing you take cricket to greater heights. Your vision and drive will help ICC just like it helped BCCI. https://t.co/IxXWaSpP1b

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) August 27, 2024

Binny, the 1983 World Cup winner, described Shah as a “solid pillar” of the BCCI. “I take this opportunity to congratulate Mr Jay Shah on his appointment as the Independent President of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He has been a solid pillar of the BCCI as the Honorary Secretary of the BCCI and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

“He was fundamental in the conception and implementation of some of the path-breaking initiatives in cricket. As he takes over as the International Cricket Council president, I am sure his vision and leadership will further enhance the reputation and well-being of the game we love,” he said.

Former Indian team captain and head coach Anil Kumble Said: “Jay Shah’s election as International Cricket Council President marks the beginning of a new chapter for global cricket. Congratulations and best wishes for the future!” Ravi ShastriAnother former Indian captain and head coach said: “Congratulations to @JayShah on his unsurprising election as ICC President – at just 35, the youngest ever! His experience in running the @BCCI will undoubtedly stand him in good stead.

“The cricket community can rest assured that Jay will work tirelessly to help world cricket and the @ICC realise their full potential and take them to another level.”

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla added: “I wish Mr Jay Shah all the best in his new role at the ICC. He is a visionary and has taken pride in ensuring cricket reaches new heights and reaches a wider audience. His forthright approach and astute leadership means cricket will continue to thrive across the globe.”

Veteran batsman Cheteshwar Pujara Writing on his ‘X’ account, he said: “Heartfelt congratulations to @JayShah on his election as ICC President. Under your visionary leadership, cricket will scale new heights across the globe.” Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also welcomed Shah’s appointment.

“Congratulations to BCCI Secretary Shri @Jai Shah Ji on your undisputed election as ICC President. I am sure the ICC will benefit from your experience in managing Indian cricket. Your leadership will take world cricket to new heights. All the best.”

Senior batsman Ajinkya Lahani Said: “Congratulations to Brother Jay on his appointment as President of the International Cricket Council.”

Former sports minister and BCCI administrator Anurag Thakur also congratulated Shah on his new post.

“Congratulations to our BCCI Secretary Sh. @JayShah on taking up the new role and responsibilities as the next President of cricket’s apex body, the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“Your becoming the youngest ever cricket administrator is a moment of immense pride and celebration for all Indians and a testament to India’s rise on the international stage,” he said.

Indian pacers Mohammad Siraj We wish Shah success in his new term.

“This is a momentous occasion. My heartfelt wishes to @Jay Shah Sir on his election as the new ICC President. I wish you much progress and continued outstanding contribution to our sport. Congratulations.”

With PTI input