Former English cricketer Michael Vaughan has questioned whether International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah can remain impartial in his role, after observing Shah's celebrations during India's matches.

 

Speaking on the Stick to Cricket podcast alongside David Lloyd, Phil Tufnell and Sir Alastair Cook, Vaughan said the sight of Shah celebrating always catches his attention.

 

"The chairman of the ICC is meant to be impartial across the game. He's in charge of the whole game, and India get a wicket and the camera pans and he's just up celebrating," Vaughan said.

 

David Lloyd acknowledged the point but suggested it is a broader problem in cricket. "To be fair, you do get that in some commentary boxes as well. You're meant to be impartial and suddenly there's a wicket and people are up jumping and throwing their arms in the air. It's hard. I definitely don't get involved at all. I am absolutely neutral," he said.

 

When Vaughan asked Cook about Pakistan and India not shaking hands on the field, Cook was dismissive of it. 

 

"Aren't they talking behind closed doors? I read somewhere that everyone's just chatting anyway. It's like it's only for show, isn't it? On the actual field they're not shaking hands, and then behind closed doors they're all talking," he said.

 

The handshake issue began after the military conflict between the two countries in May 2025, with India's players refusing to shake hands with Pakistan at the Asia Cup later that year.

 

The gesture has been absent at every meeting since, including at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.

 

The conversation also turned to the long-standing absence of Pakistan-India bilateral cricket. Cook questioned, "If they played a T20, why can't they then play a Test match?" he said.

 

Vaughan replied that it all comes down to money. "Do you know why it doesn't happen? Because clearly there's so much coin [money] involved with the World Cup. So they always play at an ICC event because of the coin. But can you imagine how much money would be made from a three-match series?" he said.

 

It is worth noting that the two sides have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13.