“Future of Golf Is Very Bright in India”: Jay Shah Extends BCCI, ICC Support at 72 The League Launch

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New Delhi, February 22: ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed strong confidence in Indian golf's growth trajectory as he attended the opening ceremony of 72 The League, pledging support from both the BCCI and ICC for the sport's development.

The glittering ceremony on February 21 in New Delhi, held in the presence of legendary India cricketer and current Professional Golf Tour of India President Kapil Dev, the franchise owners and golfers, marked the formal launch of India's first franchise-based professional golf league.

"I'm a Data Guy" - Shah on Sport and Transition

Opening his speech with a touch of humour, Shah described himself as someone who relies on numbers and trends.

"I'm a data guy," he said, before drawing a light-hearted yet optimistic conclusion. "After all the players retire, good players become good golfers. That's why the future of golf is very bright in India."

Having served six years in the BCCI before moving to the ICC, Shah noted that Indian sport has matured administratively and structurally, creating ripple effects across disciplines.

"The cricketers are so good, so the golfers will also be good, I promise."

His remarks positioned golf as a sport ready to benefit from the broader sporting ecosystem that has strengthened in India over the past decade.

A Tribute to 'Paaji' Kapil Dev

Much of Shah's address was a heartfelt tribute to Kapil Dev, affectionately referred to as "Paaji." Revisiting India's historic 1983 World Cup triumph, Shah reminded the audience of the defining moments that shaped Indian cricket's golden chapter.

"In 1983, when Paaji won the World Cup, there was no media, no marketing. Today everyone remembers how he lifted the trophy, but not how he reached the final."

He recounted the famous innings against Zimbabwe when India were struggling at 17 for 5.

"Five wickets fell at 17. Paaji was taking a shower. Someone told him his batting had come. He went out and scored 175."

Shah credited that innings - along with Kapil Dev's iconic running catch in the final - as turning points not just in the tournament but in Indian cricket's belief system.

"Paaji's leadership never let the team lose hope. And we won the World Cup."

Drawing Parallels With Modern Cricket

Shah also connected that resilience to more recent cricketing memories, referencing India's famous comeback from 4 for 33 against Pakistan in Melbourne.

"Everyone remembers the runs scored by Virat and Hardik. But if you remember them, you should remember Paaji too."

According to Shah, the fighting spirit seen in modern Indian teams traces its roots back to the culture established by Kapil Dev's generation.

Institutional Support for Indian Golf

Beyond nostalgia, Shah's presence carried strategic significance. He assured Kapil Dev and the PGTI of support from cricket's governing institutions if needed.

"Paaji, you have called me here. If you need any help from BCCI or ICC, we are ready to help you."

Shah revealed he travelled directly from the airport to attend the ceremony despite a packed international schedule - a gesture he described as a mark of respect for Kapil Dev.

"When Paaji called me, I said yes immediately. I came straight from the airport and I am going straight back to the airport."

A League With Ambition

72 The League, set to be played in a unique match-play format featuring six teams, aims to offer Indian professionals exposure to singles, fourballs and foursomes - formats rarely experienced at the domestic level.

With a mix of seasoned names and emerging talents, the tournament signals a structural shift for Indian golf. Shah's endorsement, both symbolic and administrative, adds further credibility to the venture.

"The future of golf is very bright in India," he signed off.