Jay Shah Joins MCC’s New World Cricket Advisory Board

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has established a new World Cricket Connects advisory board, replacing its previous World Cricket Committee. In a significant move for global cricket, Jay Shah, the current ICC Chairman and former BCCI Secretary, has been appointed as one of the 13 founding members of this new advisory board. This marks a key shift in the governance of world cricket, bringing together influential figures from various sectors of the sport to offer guidance and shape its future.

MCC's Strategic Shift and Advisory Board Formation

The World Cricket Connects advisory board serves as a platform to address the most pressing issues within the global cricket landscape. Jay Shah, who was absent from the inaugural World Cricket Connects forum last year at Lord's, has now joined the advisory board, signaling a more inclusive and influential gathering of cricket's key figures. This shift reflects the MCC's commitment to a dynamic and evolving approach to the game, with a focus on strategic leadership.

The Role and Structure of the Advisory Board

Kumar Sangakkara, the former MCC president, will lead the World Cricket Connects advisory board. His leadership, along with contributions from other members such as Sourav Ganguly, Graeme Smith, and Andrew Strauss, will help shape the future of global cricket. Other notable members include Heather Knight, captain of the England women's cricket team, Sanjog Gupta, CEO of JioStar, Chris Dehring, CEO of Cricket West Indies, and Anurag Dahiya, ICC’s Chief Commercial Officer.

The advisory board will meet virtually throughout the year and convene in person during the symposium at Lord’s on June 7-8, 2025, just ahead of the World Test Championship final.

Key Objectives of the Advisory Board

MCC Chairman Mark Nicholas expressed enthusiasm about the new advisory board, noting that it comprises some of the brightest minds in cricket. The board will help shape the annual World Cricket Connects agenda, guiding the discussions at the forum to address critical topics like innovation, sustainability, and global governance. The goal is to make a lasting impact on the future of the game.

Legacy of the World Cricket Committee

The former World Cricket Committee, established in 2006, played a crucial role in shaping the direction of cricket by making influential recommendations. These included the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS), the creation of the World Test Championship, and the implementation of day-night Test cricket. The new advisory board builds upon the legacy of the World Cricket Committee, expanding its influence to include a broader range of voices, ensuring that cricket continues to evolve and remains sustainable for future generations.

In Conclusion

International cricket governance has seen a turning point with the selection of Jay Shah to the MCC's World Cricket Connects Advisory Board. The board, which comprises prominent people from various industries, seeks to solve critical problems and shape the future of the game. With contributions from cricket's best minds and the leadership of individuals such as Kumar Sangakkara, the board is set to make a major impact on innovation, sustainability and governance in international cricket.