Saeed Ajmal Questions ICC’s Relevance Amid BCCI Dominance

The governing body of global cricket has come under blistering fire from former Pakistani spin maestro Saeed Ajmal, who has questioned the very necessity of the International Cricket Council (ICC) if it remains unable to assert independence from the influence of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Speaking at an event in Karachi, the T20 World Cup winner delivered a scathing assessment of the sport’s current power dynamics. Ajmal argued that the ICC’s failure to act as a neutral arbiter undermines the integrity of the game. “If the ICC cannot implement its decisions regardless of the Indian board’s stance, then there is no justification for its existence,” Ajmal stated, as reported by the Press Trust of India (PTI).

A Crisis of Neutrality

The 48-year-old veteran claimed that his sentiments are privately shared by many Test-playing nations who fear the repercussions of speaking out publicly. The crux of Ajmal’s grievance lies in the perceived “helplessness” of the ICC regarding bilateral relations between India and Pakistan.

Specifically, Ajmal highlighted India’s persistent refusal to travel to Pakistan for global tournaments. He suggested that the ICC’s acquiescence to India’s demands is a symptom of a larger takeover. “There is no logical reason for India to avoid playing in Pakistan,” Ajmal remarked. “But the ICC is powerless because it is effectively controlled by Indian interests.”

This shift in power was further solidified on 1 December 2024, when Jay Shah, the 37-year-old former BCCI Secretary and son of India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah, assumed the role of ICC Chairman.

A History of Diplomatic Deadlock

The cricketing divide between the two nations has deepened significantly over the last two decades. While Pakistan has travelled to India for major events—including the 2016 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup—India has not crossed the border since the 2008 Asia Cup.

The security situation and political tensions, exacerbated by tragic events such as the 2009 Mumbai attacks and more recent violence in the region, have frozen bilateral series since 2013.

The “Hybrid” Precedent

The friction reached a boiling point during the recent Champions Trophy. Despite Pakistan being the designated host, India’s refusal to participate on Pakistani soil forced the ICC to move India’s fixtures to Dubai.

In a reciprocal move of defiance, Pakistan has now mirrored this stance. For the upcoming T20 World Cup starting on 7 February 2026, which is co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan has officially refused to play on Indian soil, opting instead to play their matches in Sri Lanka.

Ajmal’s Legacy

Before his retirement in 2017, Saeed Ajmal was one of the most formidable forces in world cricket. His career statistics reflect a player who commanded the pitch, making his current criticisms carry significant weight in the cricketing world.

Test Matches: 35 matches | 178 wickets

One Day Internationals: 113 matches | 184 wickets

T20 Internationals: 64 matches | 85 wickets

As the “Hybrid Model” becomes the new standard for Indo-Pak fixtures, the question remains: Can the ICC ever return to being a truly independent governing body, or is cricket destined to be governed by the financial and political might of its wealthiest member?