The Indian Express has released its "100 Most Powerful Indians" list for 2024, and BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has been ranked ahead of cricket icons MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma in terms of influence and power.
Jay Shah has secured the 35th position on the list. He has surpassed cricket personalities like Virat Kohli, who is the highest-ranked player at 38th. On the other hand, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma were ranked 58 and 68 respectively. Jay Shah has been described by the media as 'undoubtedly the most influential figure in world cricket'.
Jay Shah entered cricket administration in 2013 with the Gujarat Cricket Association before becoming the BCCI secretary in 2019. He became the youngest president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in 2021. He was re-elected to the same position earlier this year.
At present, he is the youngest Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief and is expected to take over as the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman. Shah played a significant role in increasing the BCCI's share of ICC's revenues from 22.8% to 38.5%, resulting in an annual income of $231 million for the BCCI from the international body. During last year's Asia Cup, the BCCI secretary refused to allow India to travel to Pakistan, instead forcing the hosts to play India at a neutral venue. The Express reported that Shah has unprecedented control over the BCCI, an organisation that was once known for intense power struggles and factional fighting.