FIFA President Gianni Infantino and International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah were among the notable sports administrators present at the 144th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session held in Costa Navarino, Greece. The event saw leaders from various sports governing bodies converge, with the spotlight on Kirsty Coventry, who was elected as the first female President of the IOC.
Jay Shah, who was in attendance for the historic occasion, congratulated Coventry on her appointment. Taking to social media, Shah expressed his admiration, stating, “Congratulations and best wishes to newly-elected IOC President @KirstyCoventry, an honour thoroughly deserved and something I’m humbled to have been present for in Greece after hosting you at the @ICC #ChampionsTrophy. I look forward to working with you and your team on cricket’s inclusion in the @LA28 Games – and beyond.”
Fantastic to catch up with Gianni Infantino and other leaders of world sport and business at the 144th IOC Session in Greece. Proud to represent cricket on the world stage. pic.twitter.com/OuUQOcgXwR
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) March 20, 2025
Additionally, Shah took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his experience at the event, writing, “Fantastic to catch up with Gianni Infantino and other leaders of world sport and business at the 144th IOC Session in Greece. Proud to represent cricket on the world stage.”
Coventry will officially take over as IOC President on June 23, 2025, succeeding Thomas Bach, who has been elected as the IOC Honorary President for Life in recognition of his 12-year tenure.
Among the distinguished personalities at the event, FIFA President Gianni Infantino engaged in discussions with Jay Shah, reinforcing the growing global influence of cricket and football in the Olympic movement. The inclusion of T20 cricket in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics remains a key agenda for the ICC, and Shah’s presence at the IOC session highlights his commitment to strengthening cricket’s global footprint.
Meanwhile, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons also extended his congratulations to Coventry, emphasizing the strategic partnership between the IOC and IPC. He acknowledged her efforts in championing sports as a vehicle for transformation, stating, “To become the first woman and African to be President of the IOC is historic, and throughout her campaign, Kirsty championed harnessing the power of sport to make a difference.”
A five-time Olympian, Coventry has been an IOC Member since 2013 and has served as Chairperson of the IOC Athletes Commission (2018-2021). She is also currently leading the Co-ordination Commissions for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games and the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Her experience as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport since 2018 and her tenure as Vice President of the International Surfing Federation (2017-2024) further cement her credentials in global sports leadership.
With key figures like Infantino, Shah, and Coventry present at the event, the discussions at the IOC Session could set the stage for crucial developments in the future of cricket, football, and multi-sport collaborations on a global scale.
