The International Cricket Council (ICC) is being widely criticised for showing double standards after its chairman, Jay Shah, openly supported the Indian armed forces during rising tensions with Pakistan. Shah is also the son of India’s Home Affairs Minister.
In an Instagram post after a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians, Shah wrote: “Our armed forces are our pride and no words are enough to express their valour and commitment in protecting our motherland and people. We salute our brave men and women in the armed forces who are shielding our nation from terrorism.”
India responded to the attack with Operation Sindoor, blaming Pakistan. The situation then escalated into missile, drone and artillery exchanges across the border. India also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, which has added more tension between the two countries.
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So @Uz_Khawaja is banned by the @ICC from putting a dove on his bat supporting peace in the Middle East but @ICC chairman Jay Shah, son of India’s home affairs minister, can openly support the Indian military during conflict. Staggering hypocrisy!!! https://t.co/UDnniiNiwf
— Malcolm Conn (@malcolmconn) May 16, 2025
Shah’s public statement has been called out because the ICC earlier punished Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja for wearing messages promoting peace. Khawaja was not allowed to display a dove symbol or slogans like “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” during the 2023 Boxing Day Test. He was also told to remove a black armband. The dove symbol was rejected by the ICC, even though Cricket Australia supported it.
Critics say the ICC is not following its own rules of political neutrality. Veteran journalist Malcolm Conn wrote on X: “So, Usman Khawaja is banned by the ICC from putting a dove on his bat supporting peace in the Middle East, but ICC chairman Jay Shah can openly support the Indian military during conflict. Staggering hypocrisy!!!”