Shammi Silva, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), has been appointed as the new President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), succeeding Jay Shah. Silva officially assumed his role on Friday, bringing with him years of experience in cricket administration, including his previous position as Chairman of the ACC Finance & Marketing Committee.
Upon taking charge, Silva expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the ACC. “It is a great honour to lead the Asian Cricket Council,” he said. “Cricket is the heartbeat of Asia, and I am eager to collaborate with all member nations to enhance the game, nurture emerging talent, and strengthen the unity that cricket brings across the continent.”
Silva also acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Jay Shah, praising his leadership and the progress achieved during his tenure.
Jay Shah’s Legacy at the ACC
During his time as ACC President, Jay Shah oversaw several landmark achievements. These included securing record-breaking commercial rights deals for the Asia Cup tournaments from 2024 to 2031, introducing a new pathway events structure, and fostering the growth of cricket among member nations. Shah’s leadership has left a lasting impact on the organization and the sport in Asia.
Silva’s Vision for Asian Cricket
As he begins his presidency, Silva steps into the role during a critical period for Asian cricket. His priorities are expected to include grassroots development and supporting emerging cricketing nations to compete at higher levels on the global stage.
Jay Shah Becomes ICC Chairman
Meanwhile, Jay Shah has taken on a new role as Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), replacing Greg Barclay. Shah began his tenure this week with a visit to the ICC headquarters in Dubai, where he met Board Directors and ICC staff.
In a statement, Shah expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, saying, “I am deeply thankful to the ICC Board members, the ICC team, and everyone who made my first day as Chair an unforgettable experience.” He also emphasized the potential of cricket to grow further, acknowledging the dedication of the ICC team in advancing the sport globally.
Shah’s term is expected to focus on shaping the future of cricket, with a particular emphasis on expanding the game’s reach and fostering partnerships through media and broadcast rights.
With Silva at the helm of the ACC and Shah leading the ICC, the coming years are poised to be transformative for the sport in Asia and beyond.
