Just days after India’s triumphant defence of the T20 World Cup title, ICC Chairman Jay Shah delivered a pointed message amid lingering echoes of pre-tournament controversy involving Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Speaking at the Indian Business Leader Awards in Mumbai, Shah addressed the uncertainty that overshadowed preparations for the 2026 event, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh withdrew after refusing to tour India, citing security concerns, leading to their replacement by Scotland. Pakistan initially threatened to boycott the marquee India clash in Colombo in solidarity but later reversed course, playing — and losing by 61 runs.
Shah asserted institutional supremacy, stating in Hindi (translated): ‘As ICC chairman, I want to tell you that nothing is bigger than the institution. No one team makes the institution; it is formed by all teams together.” He highlighted record-breaking viewership, declaring, “You know that this time, all records were broken in viewership as well.”
He indirectly referenced the drama: “Many people were discussing before the tournament started whether this team would play or not. How would the World Cup happen?”
Shah praised associate nations for their spirited showings — the USA challenging India in the opener, the Netherlands pushing Pakistan, Zimbabwe defeating Australia, and Nepal troubling England — extending best wishes for their competitive edge against full members.
Turning to Team India, he urged sustained excellence: “As an administrator, this is my 17th year. It takes months to go from top to bottom and years to go from bottom to top. You have to sustain, so work so hard that you keep getting awards like this every year.”
The comments underscore Shah’s emphasis on unity, discipline, and cricket’s greater good over bilateral tensions, as the tournament concluded successfully with India lifting the trophy once more.
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