Likening India's current winning streak to the unstoppable Australian teams of the past, ICC chairman Jay Shah stated on Saturday that the name Team India is now a definitive marker of triumph in world cricket. The Indian men's team recently became the first side to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title, beating New Zealand in a one-sided final in Ahmedabad. In November, the women's side won their maiden World Cup. Reflecting on India's presence in the global game, Shah said during a private awards function, "Just as there was a time when Australia meant victory, today, Team India means victory. That has become the reality now."
Shah, who served as the BCCI secretary before moving to the ICC, was honoured for his exceptional contribution to sports. He dedicated the award to athletes for their hard work on the field.
"I would like to dedicate this award to all the athletes, especially the women athletes who are working hard on the field," Shah said.
The ICC chief also congratulated Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir for the team's recent triumph, and praised all the semifinalists.
"I want to congratulate Surya, Gautam Gambhir, and all the players of Team India. I also want to congratulate not just Team India but also the South African team and the England team, who did not lose a single game before the knockout stage.
"And finally, the finalists, the New Zealand cricket team, for the way they performed and worked hard on the field. Congratulations to them as well," Shah said.
Shah also listed Indian cricket's achievements since he took charge as BCCI secretary in 2019.
"From 2019, when I joined the BCCI, to 2026 - in these seven years - Team India has won two Under-19 Men's World Cups, two Under-19 Women's World Cups, finished as runners-up in the WTC final once, runners-up in the ODI World Cup once, won two consecutive T20 World Cups, and the 2025 Champions Trophy. This is a huge achievement. I congratulate you all for that.
"I remember this because I have been following cricket since 1998, and as an administrator, I have been handling cricket since 2009."
Shah also advised the Indian team to continue working with the same zeal and passion that fueled their recent success.
"Through Gautam bhai, Surya, and this platform, I want to give a message to the entire team again. In my seventeen years as an administrator, I've learned that it takes months to go from the top to the bottom, but it takes years to go from the bottom to the top.
"For you (the players), you just have to sustain your performance; it's relatively easy. So, work as hard as you have been, so that you keep receiving awards every year," he said.
"When I was in the BCCI, I had planned up until the 2028 Olympics. But then Surya took charge as captain, and I moved to the ICC.
"New people have come in my place at the BCCI. All of you together need to prepare for the 2030 and 2032 games, and you know where the 2036 Olympics will be held. So, prepare for that as well."
from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/xaZPIqc
