Historic ICC Chair Jay Shah Visit to Botswana-A Step towards Empowering Associate Members

ICC chairman Jay Shah concluded a historic visit to Botswana between April 14 and April 16, 2025, which was the first-ever tour by an ICC chairman to the African nation. His visit occurred just after visiting ICC meetings in Zimbabwe, and thus, increasing the importance of the visit. The visit was important both for Botswana and the global cricket fraternity, especially in promoting ICC Associate Members (AMs).

On his visit, Shah highlighted the opportunities and challenges facing ICC Associate Members, an important segment of the global cricketing world. His visit was a chance to bring the spotlight to the growth of cricket in small countries and how there is a need to support these nations more in order to grow the game. Shah, accompanied by Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Dr. Tavengwa Mukuhlani and other officials of the ICC, spent some time getting familiar with the scenario of the game in Botswana.

For the Botswana Cricket Association (BCA), Shah's visit was historic. Shah's brief but impactful visit had an indelible positive imprint on the local cricket fraternity, as per BCA vice-chairman Sumod Damodar. He was able to sit down with the national cricket coach, staff, and players, and some affiliates. The tour came with serious discussions on improving development of cricket, particularly for Associate Members of the ICC. Damodar, ICC Chief Executives Committee and Associate Members Committee member, stated that he was able to have positive discussions on issues regarding the challenges of AMs in Africa as well as internationally.

Shah's trip to Botswana was not only for cricket. He made the most of his visit by also going to see the country's renowned wildlife parks in Kasane, located in the northern part of the country, before arriving at the capital city of Gaborone. This was a great experience to see Botswana's natural terrain, which was the cherry on top to his visit.

While in Gaborone, the ICC chairman held a very significant meeting with very significant stakeholders in the sport business. He met Botswana Sports Minister Jacob Kelebeng and BNSC members. He also met the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) and the Ministry of Sports and Arts (MoSA) Deputy Permanent Secretary and Director of Sports. These were facilitated by Bharat Kumar Kuthati, Indian High Commissioner in Botswana.

The discussions during the meetings were regarding maximizing the union of Botswana sporting bodies and international cricket unions. Shah's visit to Botswana was not a goodwill gesture; it was a reflection of the ICC's determination towards the growth of the game of cricket at every level, especially in countries where cricket is in its formative stages.

Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) was thankful to Shah for making time available to visit amid his busy schedule. Damodar, the vice-chairman of BCA, pointed to the difference that Shah's visit made to the local cricket scene. Not just meetings and chats but informing people about Associate Members' issues and areas of development in the cricketing arena.

This visit by the ICC chairman also said a lot about the cricket ambitions of Botswana. It reinforced that even small nations are never left out of the cricket master plan and that it reminded us of the necessity of global cooperation in propagating the game. This visit was a great opportunity for the citizens of Botswana to showcase their cricket plans and seal its position with the world cricket authorities.

Overall, Jay Shah's Botswana trip was a landmark and important one, especially for Associate Member development within the cricket world. It reinforced the need for greater facilitation of support and infrastructure for the smaller countries. It was also a reminder of the importance of solidarity and collaboration in sports development. By such touring, the ICC is showing its dedication to building cricket, not just in big cricket-playing countries but anywhere on this earth.