Former Pakistan spinner makes explosive claim, questions ICC’s role in world cricket

Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal has launched a scathing attack on the International Cricket Council, alleging that the global governing body is dominated by Indians and has failed to act independently in matters concerning world cricket. Ajmal made the remarks while speaking at a function in Karachi, sharply criticising the ICC and the Board of Control for Cricket in India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2022.

Ajmal alleged that the ICC, currently headed by former BCCI president Jay Shah, is unable to take unbiased and principled decisions in the overall interest of the game. He claimed that the influence of the BCCI, the world’s richest cricket board, has rendered the ICC ineffective.

“If the ICC cannot enforce its decisions on the Indian board, then its very existence is unnecessary,” Ajmal said, adding that several Test-playing nations share this view but hesitate to express it publicly.

India’s Pakistan Tour Snub at the Centre

Ajmal’s criticism appears rooted in India’s continued refusal to play matches in Pakistan. During the Champions Trophy 2025, India cited security concerns and declined to travel to Pakistan. The ICC accommodated the request by allowing India to play their matches in Dubai, while other teams were required to shuttle between Pakistan and the UAE.

“There is no logical reason for India not to play in Pakistan, but the ICC is helpless because it is dominated by Indians,” Ajmal alleged.

Wider Impact on Global Cricket

Following India’s stance, Pakistan has also decided not to play future world tournament matches in India, opting instead for neutral venues such as Sri Lanka for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Bangladesh have reportedly sought a venue shift for matches in India, citing security concerns, though the ICC is unlikely to accept the request.

A Governing Body Under Scrutiny

Ajmal’s remarks reflect growing tensions within international cricket, raising serious questions about governance, neutrality and the ICC’s ability to balance competing national interests in an increasingly fragmented global game.