Jay Shah's Transformational Leadership in Indian Cricket

Jay Shah: Transformational Leader of the Year 2025

At the NDTV Indian of the Year 2025, Jay Shah was honoured with the ‘Transformational Leader of the Year’ award for his significant contributions to both Indian and world cricket. This recognition highlights the sweeping reforms he spearheaded during his tenure as Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 2019 to 2024, which continue to influence the game today.

Recognition at NDTV Indian of the Year 2025

While accepting the award, Jay Shah openly discussed the challenges he encountered during his term, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The immediate focus was on reviving the IPL and stabilising cricket operations. He emphasized that following his re-election in 2022, he committed to ending the longstanding injustice faced by women players, which led to substantial policy changes.

Key Reforms That Defined His Tenure

Jay Shah’s tenure at the BCCI is considered one of the most transformative in the history of Indian cricket administration. A major achievement was the introduction of pay parity between men’s and women’s cricketers. This reform significantly increased match fees for women players, rectifying long-standing disparities. Women cricketers now earn ₹6 lakh per ODI, ₹3 lakh per T20I, and ₹15 lakh per Test, a stark contrast to the previous amounts.

Launch of the Women’s Premier League (WPL)

Another landmark initiative was the establishment of the Women's Premier League (WPL), which has provided a platform for female cricketers to showcase their talent and gain recognition in the sport.

IPL Media Rights and Commercial Expansion

Jay Shah also played a crucial role in transforming the commercial landscape of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Under his leadership, media rights deals for the IPL reached unprecedented valuations, with a strategic division between broadcast and digital rights that maximized revenue and expanded the league’s global presence. These strategic decisions have substantially strengthened the BCCI’s financial standing, allowing for greater investment in domestic cricket infrastructure, player welfare, and grassroots development.

Key Takeaways

• Jay Shah received the ‘Transformational Leader of the Year’ award at NDTV Indian of the Year 2025.
• He served as BCCI Secretary from 2019 to 2024 and became ICC Chairman in December 2024.
• Major reforms during his tenure include pay parity, the launch of WPL, and record IPL media rights deals.
• Women cricketers’ match fees have significantly increased across formats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the significance of Jay Shah's award in 2025?
Answer: Jay Shah received the ‘Transformational Leader of the Year’ award for his impactful reforms in Indian cricket, particularly regarding women's pay parity and the establishment of the WPL.

Q2. What major reforms did Jay Shah implement during his tenure?
Answer: Key reforms included introducing pay parity for women players and launching the Women's Premier League, enhancing the visibility and financial support for women's cricket.

Q3. How did Jay Shah influence IPL media rights deals?
Answer: Shah's leadership led to record-breaking valuations of IPL media rights by strategically splitting broadcast and digital rights, maximizing revenue and extending the league's global reach.

Q4. What changes were made to women's cricket match fees?
Answer: Women's cricket match fees were significantly increased, with women cricketers now earning ₹6 lakh per ODI, ₹3 lakh per T20I, and ₹15 lakh per Test, addressing previous disparities.

Q5. What is the Women's Premier League (WPL)?
Answer: The WPL is a professional cricket league for women, launched during Jay Shah's tenure, aimed at providing a platform for female cricketers to showcase their skills and gain recognition.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What award did Jay Shah receive at NDTV Indian of the Year 2025?
A) Best Cricketer of the Year
B) Transformational Leader of the Year
C) Best Sports Administrator
D) Excellence in Sports Award
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What significant reform was introduced regarding women's cricket during Jay Shah's tenure?
A) Increase in match fees
B) Launch of a new stadium
C) Introduction of new coaches
D) Establishment of international tournaments
Correct Answer: A

Question 3: What was a major change in the IPL media rights under Jay Shah's leadership?
A) Reduction in broadcast hours
B) Record-breaking valuation of deals
C) Elimination of digital rights
D) Closure of international broadcasts
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: Which league was launched during Jay Shah's tenure to support women's cricket?
A) Men's Premier League
B) Women's Premier League (WPL)
C) National Cricket League
D) Global Cricket League
Correct Answer: B