In New Delhi, on March 15, ICC Chairman Jay Shah hinted at the possibility of India hosting the 2036 Olympics, emphasizing the need for India to prepare well for this major sporting event. He made this statement during the Sports Journalists Federation of India (SJFI) National Convention in New Delhi.
"As you know, when I was with the BCCI, we prepared for 2028. Fortunately, we achieved a good result. However, the BCCI team is here. You all should prepare for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. You all should also prepare for the 2036 Olympics," he said.
Shah, who moved from being the BCCI Secretary to heading the ICC in 2024, used this opportunity to reflect on the transformative period for Indian cricket from 2019 to 2026. "From 2019 to 2026, this was a very important time for both BCCI and India. Today, I congratulate everyone. We won two Under-19 Women's World Cup titles and two Under-19 Men's World Cups."
"We were runners-up twice in the World Test Championship. We were also runners-up once in the Men's ODI World Cup and won the women's version. We won the T20 World Cup twice, and we also won the Champions Trophy. That's why the period from 2019 to 2026 was a golden time for all of us, and you all played a significant role in that."
Shah also praised India's impressive performance at the recently concluded T20 World Cup, while congratulating other teams that had performed well in the tournament.
"The T20 World Cup has just concluded. India had a great performance. For that, I congratulate the entire Indian team. Along with that, England and South Africa were unbeaten before the semi-finals, and for that, I congratulate those two teams. Also, to the New Zealand team, they achieved victory and reached the final, and we congratulate the New Zealand team for their performance."
He also highlighted the significant contribution of associate nations to the tournament's success. "This World Cup 2026 was very important for the associate countries. India had won the World Cup, but you all know that India almost lost to the USA. The Netherlands was about to beat Pakistan. Nepal gave a tough fight to England, and Zimbabwe didn't let Australia win. So, through this, I want to thank all the associate countries for making the World Cup so successful."
Shah also emphasized the importance of viewership and attendance records. "This World Cup set many records in terms of viewership and attendance. I don't want to reveal the exact numbers because you all are aware of every detail. I will share the figures through my tweets and the ICC's media release."
He also reminded everyone that today, March 15, marked the 25th anniversary of India's iconic 2001 Test victory against Australia at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. "As you know, today is March 15, and though I am a little late, I want to remind you all of the March 11-15, 2001 Test in Kolkata, which we won by 276 runs. VVS Laxman scored 281 runs, and Rahul Dravid scored 180 runs – because of that, we won the Test match, which looked lost. That's why today is very important for us."
Shah further credited the media's diligent coverage as a key factor in Indian cricket's success, recalling how reporters stayed back in Barbados after the T20 World Cup final to capture the moment of triumph.
"I know that when Rohit Sharma led India to victory in Barbados, you all were aware of the challenges. You all could have left Barbados after the match, but you chose to stay and capture that historic moment. I remember that you all came back to India with me. So, thank you very much for witnessing that victory."
"You all take great care in reporting on player statistics, runs scored, and wickets taken. Even in the smallest details, you ensure accuracy. That's why the team's outstanding performance is a result of your hard work, and I thank you for that."
On his relationship with the media, Shah was candid, saying he had deliberately maintained a distance to ensure impartiality. "I was with the BCCI since 2019, and after 2024, I have been with the ICC. I have not been able to interact much with journalists due to my responsibilities, but I have always strived to maintain impartiality. All my views were communicated through media releases."
"Sometimes, you might become friends with BCCI officials or players, and you might get news from them. But I believe that everyone should have access to the same information, and that's why I have never leaked any information on behalf of BCCI or ICC."
"With all the members of the ICC and BCCI here, I was looking at the list of sponsors, and I felt that I should learn how to secure sponsorships from you. There are many sponsors, and I believe that the entire board is full of potential. I have not been able to meet everyone personally, but this is a very good opportunity. So, thank you all very much for being here."