Jay Shah’s Indian Army Support Exposes ICC Double Standards

. Jay Shah’s Indian Army Statement Triggers ICC Double Standards Debate
. ICC under fire as fans question silence on Jay Shah’s pro-army stance, while Usman Khawaja faced a ban for a peace message

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Web Desk:
International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah is at the center of a growing controversy after expressing open support for the Indian Army during recent tensions with Pakistan. Critics on social media have accused the ICC of double standards, citing past instances where players like Usman Khawaja were penalized for political messaging.

Usman Khawaja’s Peace Message vs Jay Shah’s Pro-Military Support

In 2023, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja was banned from displaying the message “All lives are equal” on his bat to promote peace in the Middle East. The ICC swiftly enforced its rules, claiming it was a political statement.

However, Jay Shah — who also serves as Secretary of the BCCI and is the son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah — has faced no action after publicly praising Indian military action, even while holding the ICC’s top office.

Journalist Malcolm Conn Raises the Alarm

Renowned Australian journalist Malcolm Conn sparked the debate by posting a report on X (formerly Twitter) about Shah’s comments, questioning whether Shah had resigned as ICC Chairman over his politicized statement. The post went viral, prompting widespread calls for accountability and neutrality in global cricket governance.

Fans Demand Equal Enforcement of ICC Rules

Cricket fans and analysts are demanding that the ICC apply its rules uniformly, regardless of the official’s nationality or political connections. Critics argue that if a peaceful message like Khawaja’s is deemed political, then so should Shah’s pro-military endorsement.

Many are now calling for the ICC to clarify its policy on political statements and ensure that the code of conduct applies equally to both players and officials.

ICC Yet to Respond

Despite the growing backlash and accusations of bias, the ICC has not issued any official statement regarding Jay Shah’s comments or the controversy.