ISLAMABAD: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has come under criticism from fans after it shared a social media post highlighting a personal accolade of its chairman Jay Shah.
The post, published on the ICC’s official accounts, referred to Shah’s inclusion in the IE100 list of the most powerful Indians for 2026, noting his rise to 22nd position.
“It is said that power and responsibility go hand-in-hand. This recognition is well-deserved and one that will definitely motivate our chairman to strive harder towards loftier goals for the sport,” the ICC said.
It is said that power and responsibility go hand-in-hand. This recognition is well-deserved and one that will definitely motivate our chairman @JayShah to strive harder towards loftier goals for the Sport. https://t.co/BSgiscc6VN
— ICC (@ICC) March 29, 2026
Cricket fans question relevance
The post drew swift criticism online, with many cricket fans questioning its relevance to cricket and the role of the ICC as a global governing body.
Several users argued that the organisation’s digital platforms should focus on cricket-related content, including matches, players and rankings, rather than promoting individual achievements.
“Shame on ICC for stooping this low. They are acting as a social media PR for Jay Shah,” one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Shame on ICC for stopping this low.
They are acting as a Social Media PR for Jay Shah….. Ridiculous https://t.co/UfIy4Bm6Av— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) March 29, 2026
Another user described the post as “embarrassing” and urged the ICC to maintain professionalism and neutrality in its communications.
Shocking that @ICC is now playing personal PR agent for Chairman Jay Shah — breathlessly reporting his climb up some Indian power list
Shouldn’t a global governing body stay away from hyping its own chairman’s personal achievements?
Let independent media do the cheerleading.… https://t.co/QrGGNUtD5p
— Awab Alvi (@DrAwab) March 29, 2026
Concerns over credibility of ICC
Critics said the move risked blurring the line between official communication and personal publicity, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
They stressed that international sporting bodies should maintain clear boundaries to preserve credibility and avoid perceptions of bias or self-promotion.
@ICC stooping so low that they are posting personal PR spoof pieces. You are organising body, have some shame and stay relevant. Nobody gives a damn about this loser
— Aqeel Maqbool (@aqeel_maqbool) March 29, 2026
The incident has sparked a broader debate about how governing bodies use their digital platforms in an era of heightened public scrutiny.
Shame on ICC for stopping this low.
They are acting as a Social Media PR for Jay Shah….. Ridiculous https://t.co/UfIy4Bm6Av— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) March 29, 2026
Previous controversy resurfaces
The backlash also revived criticism from last year, when the ICC faced scrutiny over Shah’s repeated appearances in a promotional video for the World Test Championship final.
In the 45-second video, Shah appeared multiple times, including during the trophy presentation.
The content was later removed following negative reactions from fans.
