ICC Chairman Jay Shah’s trip to Namibia for the Under-19 World Cup underscores his vision for global cricket expansion. Arriving in Windhoek, he engaged with regional leaders and marveled at young prospects during matches co-hosted by Namibia and Zimbabwe.
On X, Shah shared: ‘A great day meeting cricket leaders from the Africa Cricket Association in Windhoek, as ICC aims to grow and support the game across the continent. Loved watching the future stars at Cricket Namibia’s impressive new NSG venue during the U19 World Cup.’
Appointed ICC President on December 1, 2024, Shah has vowed to promote cricket in early-stage countries. His actions match the rhetoric, fostering opportunities where the sport is burgeoning as a passion. Attention spans men’s and women’s sectors alike.
Namibia emerges as a key focus, with its team’s decade-long international ascent demanding more ICC aid for rapid advancement. The World Cup hosting and top-level visits affirm that support. Zimbabwe, historically strong but hampered by prolonged disputes, shows revival signs under new management—securing a spot in T20 World Cup 2026 after a 2024 miss.
This visit highlights strategic investments in youth tournaments to build sustainable ecosystems. Shah’s involvement could catalyze infrastructure upgrades and talent pipelines, positioning Africa as cricket’s next frontier.