News Desk
DUBAI: Jay Shah, the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), is facing a growing backlash after publicly expressing support for Indian soldiers during a period of heightened tensions with Pakistan. Critics, including prominent Australian journalist Malcolm Conn, have accused Shah of hypocrisy and politicizing the game.
The controversy erupted after Shah’s message in favor of the Indian army drew attention, with many pointing out the contrast between his actions and how the ICC has handled similar gestures from players. Malcolm Conn, writing on social media, questioned how the ICC had suspended Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja for displaying a dove – a universal symbol of peace – on his bat, yet allowed its own chairman to openly take a political stance.
Conn highlighted that Shah is the son of India’s Home Minister, suggesting his position is not only political by nature but now actively being used to shape the ICC’s public posture. “When an Australian Muslim player wore a symbol of peace, he was banned. Now the ICC chairman is openly supporting one side during rising tensions, and that’s somehow acceptable?” Conn wrote, calling it a “staggering double standard”.
