Shashank Manohar Becomes First Independent Chairman of International Cricket Council

Shashank Manohar has become the first independent chairman of the International Cricket Council. He was elected unopposed, according to the world body.

Manohar had earlier this week resigned as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. He had also stepped down as the interim chairman of the ICC. According to ICC rules, an independent chairman cannot hold two positions as a cricket head.

Fifty-eight-year-old Manohar, a senior lawyer based in Nagpur, had earlier served a full term as BCCI president from 2008-2011. He had stepped in for a second innings after Jagmohan Dalmiya died in September last year.

According to the ICC, Manohar was the only candidate for the position of independent chairman. He was declared elected by Adnan Zaidi, who oversaw the election process for ICC.

The election of an independent chairman will see the end of electing an ICC president from 2016. The chairman's position is an honorary one.

BREAKING NEWS: Shashank Manohar elected unopposed as independent ICC Chairman https://t.co/ksvtvE2jcq pic.twitter.com/pW7PLoTCtv

- ICC (@ICC) May 12, 2016

"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," said Manohar.

"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.

"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."