Jay Shah, the ICC Chairman, met with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin in Munich ahead of the Champions League Final. This meeting marked a significant moment for cricket, as Shah aimed to promote the sport globally.
Shah expressed his honor in representing cricket in Munich, saying it was a privilege to meet with other sporting leaders. The ICC is committed to expanding cricket’s global reach, and such meetings foster valuable discussions.
The Champions League Final will feature a match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Shah’s meeting with Čeferin demonstrates the ICC’s efforts to engage with other sports organizations, promoting cricket worldwide.
Earlier this year, Shah met with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, discussing cricket’s potential inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Reports suggest that only six teams may participate in the Olympic cricket event.
Under Shah’s leadership, the ICC has also introduced changes to cricket’s rules. In ODI cricket, the use of two balls in the first 50 overs has been modified. Now, two balls will be used from overs 1-34, and the fielding team must choose one of these balls for overs 35-50. If a match is reduced to 25 overs or less, only one ball will be used per innings.
These developments reflect the ICC’s commitment to promoting cricket globally, engaging with other sports organizations, and adapting the game’s rules to enhance its appeal.