Manohar elected new ICC chairman

India's Shashank Manohar has been elected unopposed as the first independent chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the game's governing body said on Thursday.

Under reforms Manohar himself initiated within the ICC, the new chairman must be an independent candidate with no formal links to any country.

Manohar, 58, resigned from his post as Board of Control for Cricket in India president on Tuesday.

"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," Manohar said. 

"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."

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur congratulated Manohar on his new role.

"Mr. Shashank Manohar's unanimous, unopposed election is a matter of pride for India," Thakur said in a BCCI statement. 

"With his vast administrative experience he will provide leadership to the ICC to strengthen the position of cricket at the global level. 

"The BCCI looks forward to working closely with the ICC for developing cricket."