The International Indian Council (ICC) is under fire for blatant hypocrisy after ICC Chief Jay Shah applauded the Indian Armed Forces following the military escalation between India and Pakistan.
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 Ithe CC’s policy enforcement.
Jay Shah shared the message on his Instagram story, celebrating the actions of the armed forces taken against Pakistan.
“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. Let us unite to honour our heroes and build a stronger, more united India,” wrote Jay Shah on his Instagram.
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However, Jay Shah garnered criticism for what many called a display of ‘hypocrisy’. Several journalists pointed out that the ICC had objected to the display of message of peace by Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja. The Australian batter was blocked from displaying a dove symbol late in 2023 and the phrase “All lives are equal” in support of peace in Gaza and Palestine.
Shah’s post has triggered debate and criticism from several journalists. Australian journalist Malcolm Conn asked if Jay Shah has resigned from his post as head of the ICC.
“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,” said Conn in the post.
He underscored the position of Jay Shah, being the son of the Indian Home Minister Amit Shah, and how his influence is impacting the world of cricket.
As per the ICC rules bars, cricketers and members associated with cricket to avoid political messaging. Critics argued that these rules seem to be applied selectively.