Jay Shah joins MCC's new global cricket advisory board

Apex cricket governing body International Cricket Council's (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah has become the latest member of the newly formed Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Global Advisory Board. This board replaces the MCC World Cricket Committee, which has been active since 2006. Chaired by former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara, the advisory board consists of influential figures from across the world, with a shared vision of ensuring the sport’s growth.

The MCC World Cricket Committee played a key role in recommending changes to the game, such as introducing the Decision Review System (DRS), day-night Test matches, and the World Test Championship. While the committee was advisory and held no formal authority, its recommendations significantly shaped modern-day cricket.

In 2024, the MCC hosted the first World Cricket Connects forum at Lord’s, bringing together over 120 leading voices in cricket to address the sport’s challenges. This gathering inspired the creation of the Global Advisory Board, with a more structured mandate to influence the global game.

Delighted to be working with this experienced group: Mark Nicholas

The Global Advisory Board consists of 13 founding members, including figures such as Sourav Ganguly, Graeme Smith, Heather Knight, and Andrew Strauss. The group is tasked with shaping the annual agenda for the World Cricket Connects forum, facilitating meaningful discussions, and driving impactful outcomes for the sport.

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"An important step has been made in the forming of the World Cricket Connects Advisory Board. We have assembled an impressive group of the best minds in cricket across several different areas relevant to our sport. I am delighted to be working with this experienced group and excited about what we can collectively achieve for the benefit of the global game." MCC Chair Mark Nicholas said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
 
As the youngest ICC Chair, Shah has already advanced cricket on a global level. Formerly the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Shah is one of the sport’s most powerful figures.

The advisory board’s inaugural meeting will coincide with the second World Cricket Connects forum at Lord’s on June 7-8, 2025. This event, scheduled just before the ICC World Test Championship final, is expected to provide a platform for discussing cricket’s challenges and opportunities.