Windhoek buzzed with cricket fervor as ICC supremo Jay Shah made his way to Namibia for the Under-19 World Cup. Co-hosted with Zimbabwe, the tournament offered Shah a firsthand look at emerging talents and host nations’ potential.
Via X, the new Chairman detailed his itinerary: fruitful discussions with Africa Cricket Association heads on continental expansion, capped by U19 World Cup viewing at the cutting-edge NSG venue. ‘It felt great seeing the future stars of the game,’ he posted, lauding Cricket Namibia’s facilities.
Taking ICC reins on December 1, 2024, Shah pledged to ignite cricket in developing regions. He’s delivering through targeted initiatives in high-passion areas, balancing men’s and women’s development.
Namibia’s consistent global strides over 10 years position it for ICC acceleration, reinforced by this prestigious event and leadership visit. Zimbabwe rebounds from discord-plagued years; ongoing reforms promise resurgence, with 2026 T20 World Cup entry as proof.
Shah’s proactive stance bodes well for inclusive growth. The U19 platform not only hones skills but elevates local setups, heralding Africa’s enriched cricket narrative.

