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ICC Chief Hails Associate Nations' Impact in Record-Breaking 2026 World Cup

ICC Chairman Jay Shah emphasized the 2026 T20 World Cup's significance for associate cricket nations, praising their competitive performances against top teams. He highlighted close contests including the USA vs. India and Zimbabwe's victory over Australia. Shah announced the tournament shattered all previous viewership records, though specific numbers were not immediately disclosed. India successfully defended its title, beating New Zealand to become the first team to win consecutive T20 World Cups and claim a third title.

Key Points: Jay Shah Praises Associate Nations After 2026 T20 World Cup

  • Associate nations elevated tournament stature
  • USA challenged champion India
  • Netherlands nearly beat Pakistan
  • Viewership broke all past records
2 min read

"This World Cup 2026 was very important for the associate nations": ICC chairman Jay Shah

ICC Chairman Jay Shah says the 2026 T20 World Cup was vital for associate nations, highlighting close matches and record viewership as India defends title.

"This World Cup 2026 was very important for the associate nations. - Jay Shah"

New Delhi, March 15

International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah praised the 2026 World Cup for the strong performances of associate nations, highlighting close contests such as the USA challenging India, the Netherlands nearly defeating Pakistan, Nepal giving England a tough fight, and Zimbabwe beating Australia on Sunday in New Delhi.

He congratulated all associate teams and noted that their efforts have significantly elevated the stature of the tournament.

"This World Cup 2026 was very important for the associate nations. India became the champion, but you all saw how strongly America competed against India in the USA match. The Netherlands nearly defeated Pakistan. Nepal gave a tough fight to England, and Zimbabwe managed to beat Australia. I want to congratulate the entire associate world through this platform. The stature of this World Cup has risen so high because of the effort you all showed," Jay Shah told the reporters.

"This World Cup has broken all previous records of viewership. I cannot share the exact numbers right now, but I will share them with the media later. What I can say is that the numbers have smashed every past record of viewership," he added.

India emerged as the winner of the recently concluded T20 World Cup. India beat New Zealand by 96 runs on Sunday to successfully defend their T20 World Cup title.

The victory made India the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, the first to win consecutive titles after their 2024 win, and the first to lift the trophy three times (2007, 2024, and 2026).

Notably, Sanju Samson's 89 off 46 balls at the top of the order in the final, along with contributions from Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube, helped India post a mammoth 254 in the first innings.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Heartiest congratulations to Team India! 🎉 But Jay Shah is absolutely right. The real winner was cricket itself. When associate nations compete like this, every match becomes unpredictable and exciting. Hope ICC gives them more bilateral series too.
R
Rohit P
Sanju Samson in the final was pure fire! 89 off 46! But let's not forget Zimbabwe beating Australia... that's the beauty of T20. On their day, any team can win. Makes you proud to be a cricket fan.
S
Sarah B
As someone who watched from the US, the India-USA match was incredible for growing the game here. The viewership records aren't surprising. A respectful suggestion though - the ICC must ensure this momentum isn't lost. More funding and tours for these emerging teams are crucial.
V
Vikram M
Three-time champions! What a feeling! 🇮🇳 But yes, the tournament was great because it wasn't a foregone conclusion. Nepal giving England a scare was my favourite moment after India's win. Kudos to all teams.
K
Karthik V
Good words from the chairman. Now actions must follow. The big nations need to tour associate countries more often, not just during World Cups. That's the only way to make cricket a global sport, not just a subcontinental one.

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