On March 7, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued a press release announcing changes in its representation on the Board of Directors of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). This update comes after the appointment of Jay Shah as the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), which led to a vacancy in the ACC leadership.
Jay Shah’s Transition to ICC Chairman and Its Impact on the ACC Board
Jay Shah, the former BCCI Secretary, took over as the ICC Chairman on December 1, 2024. His new role has led to a shift in responsibilities, and as a result, his position as the President of the Asian Cricket Council became vacant. To ensure that the BCCI remains well represented in the ACC, the Board has made some key appointments.
Rajeev Shukla to Represent BCCI as Executive Board Member
In the release, the BCCI announced that Rajeev Shukla, the Vice-President of the BCCI, will now represent the board on the ACC Board as an Executive Board Member. Rajeev Shukla is a seasoned administrator and is expected to play an important role in the ACC’s decision-making process. His appointment is seen as a step towards strengthening India’s influence in the development of cricket in the Asian region.
As the BCCI Vice-President, Shukla has been an active figure in promoting the sport both within India and globally. His experience in handling cricketing affairs makes him a valuable asset to the ACC, especially as the organization focuses on promoting and developing cricket in Asia.
Ashish Shelar Appointed as Ex-Officio Board Member
Alongside Rajeev Shukla, the BCCI has also appointed Ashish Shelar, a former treasurer of the board, as its representative on the ACC Board. Shelar will serve in the capacity of an Ex-Officio Board Member. This means that while he may not hold an executive position on the board, his role is still important in shaping decisions and contributing to the overall functioning of the ACC.
Ashish Shelar is known for his extensive knowledge of cricket administration and his long-standing association with the BCCI. His appointment as the Ex-Officio Board Member ensures that the BCCI continues to have a voice in the decision-making processes of the ACC, especially as the region’s cricketing future is shaped.
BCCI’s Statement on the Appointments
The BCCI released a statement highlighting the importance of these appointments for the future of cricket in Asia. The release read, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would like to inform about updates regarding its representation on the Board of Directors of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).” The statement continued, “With Mr. Jay Shah taking over as the Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC), his position on the ACC Board became vacant. Till recently, he was President, ACC. Mr. Rajeev Shukla will represent the BCCI as an Executive Board Member on the ACC Board. Mr. Ashish Shelar will be the BCCI representative on the ACC Board as the Ex-Officio Board Member.”
The BCCI also expressed its good wishes for the new appointees. “On behalf of the BCCI Office Bearers and Apex Council, we wish both of them a successful tenure as the ACC works towards promoting, developing, and strengthening cricket in Asia,” the release concluded.
These appointments are part of the BCCI’s ongoing commitment to support and develop cricket in Asia. As the governing body of cricket in India, the BCCI has always been at the forefront of promoting the sport at both national and international levels. With Rajeev Shukla and Ashish Shelar now taking on important roles within the ACC, there is hope that India’s leadership in the Asian cricketing community will continue to grow.
The ACC, under the leadership of the new representatives, will focus on organizing tournaments and initiatives that help to elevate cricket across Asia. The BCCI’s active participation in the ACC’s decision-making processes will be crucial in shaping the future of cricket in the region, ensuring that the sport reaches new heights and continues to grow in popularity.
