 "‘It is dominated by Indians now’: Ex-Pakistan spinner alleges BCCI’s influence in ICC, says its existence is unnecessary")
Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has launched a strong attack on the International Cricket Council (ICC), alleging that the global body is dominated by Indians and no longer works independently. His comments have come amid the ongoing tensions between India and Bangladesh following the release of Mustafizur Rahman from IPL 2026.
Speaking at a function in Karachi, Ajmal criticised the ICC’s handling of international cricketing disputes and claimed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has too much influence over decision-making. He said the ICC, under its current leadership of Jay Shah, is unable to take fair and unbiased calls.
Ajmal alleged that the BCCI controls the ICC as it is the richest and most powerful board in the world. According to him, this influence prevents the governing body from acting in an unbiased manner. “The ICC is dominated by Indians now. If it cannot enforce its decisions on the Indian board, then its very existence is unnecessary,” Ajmal was quoted as saying.
Ajmal says other nations also share similar concerns but fear speaking out
The former off-spinner also claimed that many Test-playing nations privately share his concerns but are afraid to speak openly against the ICC or the BCCI. “The majority of Test nations agree with this, but they won’t say it publicly,” Ajmal added.
The ICC is currently headed by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who took charge in late 2024, just ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Ajmal’s criticism appears to stem from India’s refusal to play cricket in Pakistan. India did not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy last year, citing security concerns.
As the tournament was an ICC event, the world body allowed India to play their matches in Dubai, while other teams travelled between Pakistan and the UAE. After the ICC allowed the Indian team to play their matches at a neutral venue, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also vowed not to travel to India for any event until at least 2027.
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View AllAjmal questioned this decision and said there was no logical reason for India to avoid touring Pakistan. “There is no logical reason for India not to play in Pakistan, but the ICC can’t do anything because it is dominated by Indians now,” he said. Pakistan are slated to play their 2026 T20 World Cup matches in Sri Lanka despite India being the host nation.
Meanwhile, the ICC is also dealing with a fresh venue dispute involving Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has written to the ICC seeking to move their 2026 T20 World Cup matches out of India, citing security concerns. However, it is understood that the ICC is unlikely to accept Bangladesh’s request, though no official statement has been made so far.
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