Independent Manohar elected ICC chairman unopposed

Dubai, May 12 Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar on Thursday was elected unopposed as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He is the first to bag the post without any board affiliation.

Manohar stepped down as the head of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday.

He will commence his two-year term with immediate effect.

"I look forward to working with all stakeholders to shape the future of cricket, which has a proud history and rich tradition," Manohar said in a statement after being elected.

"It is an honour to be elected as the chairman of the International Cricket Council and for that I am thankful to all the ICC directors who have put their faith and trust in my abilities. 

"I also take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues in the BCCI who have supported me during my recent time as the BCCI's president.

"These are exciting times for international cricket as we are presently carrying out a comprehensive review of the 2014 constitutional amendments which is aimed at not only improving governance structures, but cricket structures as well," Manohar said.

"The ultimate objective is to grow our sport and engage a whole new generation of fans and I look forward to working with all stakeholders to shape the future of cricket, which has a proud history and rich tradition."

Manohar's second stint as the BCCI boss only lasted for seven months. He took over following the death of Jagmohan Dalmiya in October 2015 and, by virtue of that position, has held the role of the ICC chief since then.

He was elected the chairman following ICC Full Council's approval of constitutional amendments proposed by the Board following its April meeting that suggested the abolition of the post of president.

According to the election process, ICC directors were each allowed to nominate one candidate, who had to be either a present or past director. Nominees with the support of two or more full member directors would have been eligible to contest the election, which was scheduled to have been concluded by May 23.

Manohar was the sole nominee for the position and the ICC board unanimously supported his appointment. 

The election process was overseen by the independent Audit Committee chairman Adnan Zaidi. He declared the process complete, and Manohar the successful candidate.

Manohar served his first stint as the BCCI president from 2008-11.