It isn’t hidden from anyone that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) holds the power in cricket. The world runs on money, and no one brings more bucks to the table than BCCI. That’s why the International Cricket Board (ICC) has to, more often than not, do what the Indian boards want.
ICC under fire for preferential treatment
This has drawn severe criticism. The 2025 Champions Trophy was the latest example. After BCCI told the ICC they wouldn’t travel to Pakistan for the tournament, Dubai was announced as co-host. The Indian cricket team played all of their matches at the venue, and many called this an unfair advantage.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) too was unhappy, as they couldn’t host the top three earning matches in the 2025 Champions Trophy: India vs. Pakistan, India vs. Australia (semifinal), and India vs. New Zealand (final). After investing over Rs 500 crores on upgrading infrastructure, the PCB may not earn what they aspired.
BCCI, the real powerhouse
Former PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani feels that it’s not the ICC but the BCCI that deserves the criticism. “It’s not a matter of ICC. This is really a BCCI call, isn’t it? They decided they won’t tour Pakistan,” Mani told Hindustan Times.
Having served as PCB Chairman from 2018 to 2021, the administrator under whom Pakistan was awarded hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy has said that BCCI didn’t uphold their end. The two boards came to an agreement, but it wasn’t upheld by the Indian board.
“Pakistan agreed to tour for the World Cup, and BCCI didn’t deliver what was agreed when I was chairman of PCB. If you look at the ICC minutes, there are recorded assurances that the BCCI and the Government of India would ensure that adequate visas for Pakistani journalists, fans, and officials would be given,” he added.
Having worked as the ICC President from 2003 to 2006, Mani knows how these things work. He now wishes that Jay Shah, ICC Chairman, bridge the gap between the BCCI and PCB.
“These didn’t materialise. So, really, it’s for BCCI to decide. Today, you have Mr. Jay Shah, who is chairman of ICC. He’s been very involved with Indian cricket. It’s his responsibility to make sure that this sort of thing doesn’t happen again,” Mani added.
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