ICC criticised over double standards
Jay Shah is notorious for his double standards and favouritism and he is practising the same at ICC. PHOTO: AFP
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is under fire online for what critics are calling a 'staggering hypocrisy' - earlier banning Australia's Usman Khawaja from displaying a peace symbol on his bat, while its chairman Jay Shah publicly supported Indian armed forces during the recent Pakistan-India conflict.
Critics argue the body has been inconsistent after Australian batter Usman Khawaja was blocked from displaying a dove symbol late in 2023 and the phrase "All lives are equal" in support of peace in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Jay Shah, the ICC Chairman and secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), publicly shared support for the Indian military — raising many to question ICC's policy enforcement.
Critics like Malcolm Conn were among the first to criticise the disparity. Conn posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, questioning ICC's stance on both issues, whilst citing Times of India.
The post triggered widespread debate about Shah's role in the ICC and his wider influence on world cricket.
Cricket bats
When questioned about Shah's dual roles, Conn responded, "Had he resigned as ICC chief?"
Critics have pointed out that Khawaja's peaceful message was apolitical in comparison to military endorsements, prompting further scrutiny of the ICC's approach.
While the ICC maintains a strict policy against political messaging on the field, observers argue the rules appear selectively enforced.
Jay Shah's position as the son of India's Home Minister Amit Shah and his high-profile involvement in both Indian cricket and the ICC has only intensified the scrutiny.
Many are now calling on the ICC to clarify its standards and apply them uniformly.
Roston Chase appointed WI Test captain
Roston Chase has been appointed West Indies' new Test captain. The allrounder's first Test as captain will be his 50th; his 49th, against South Africa in Johannesburg, came more than two years ago. West Indies have played 13 Tests since then.
Chase has previously led West Indies in one ODI and one T20I. His first assignment in the longest format will be the three-Test home series against Australia, which begins on his home ground in Bridgetown on June 25. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican will be Chase's vice-captain.
The series will be the first of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle for both teams.
CWI said that Chase had been appointed from a shortlist of six after a "detailed assessment process that included psychometric testing to evaluate leadership style, behaviour, and overall suitability for the role". The other candidates interviewed were John Campbell, Tevin Imlach, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, and Warrican.
Shai Hope, West Indies captain in the white-ball formats, asked not to be considered in order to focus on his exciting leadership roles.
"This selection process is one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking we have undertaken," CWI president, Kishore Shallow, said. "I am deeply impressed by the professionalism, objectivity, and strategic thinking that shaped the final decision. It sets a new benchmark for leadership appointments in West Indies cricket."
West Indies head coach, Daren Sammy, said: "I fully endorse this appointment. Our new captain has earned the respect of his peers, understands the responsibility that comes with the role, and has shown the leadership qualities we need to take this team forward. I urge fans across the region to rally behind him--we're building something special."
The 33-year-old Chase takes over from Kraigg Brathwaite, who resigned in March after 39 matches in charge of the Test team. West Indies won 10 of those Tests, lost 22 and drew seven.
At the time of Brathwaite's resignation, CWI had handed Hope - already West Indies' ODI captain - the T20I reins, but had held back on naming a new Test captain, announcing that they would do so "in the coming weeks".
Brathwaite's tenure was notable for a young West Indies team beginning to find ways of winning in different conditions with a growing pool of fast and spin bowlers. Notable performances included a 1-0 home series win over England in 2022, the Gabba Test win of January 2024, and a 1-1 draw in Pakistan in Brathwaite's last series in charge, in January 2025.