South African Spinner Claims BCCI Controls ICC

South Africa spinner Simon Harmer has said India’s financial strength continues to shape the balance of power in world cricket, claiming that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) effectively controls the International Cricket Council.

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Harmer said India’s commercial dominance has given it unmatched influence over the global game, adding that players can do little about the broader power structure.

“Because of India’s commercial power, they have all the power. BCCI controls the ICC. But what can we do? As players, we just control the controllables. The only thing that changes the narrative is winning trophies,” he said.

Harmer’s comments came as he reflected on South Africa’s place in world cricket, saying the Proteas’ recent success has not changed the overall hierarchy of the sport. He suggested that winning major titles remains the only real way for other teams to challenge the current order.

The 37-year-old off-spinner also spoke about cricket beyond the international stage, offering blunt views on the English domestic system.

He said there is “a place for mediocrity” in county cricket because too many teams allow average performers to survive without being pushed out. He also questioned the way England now assesses batting talent, saying selection appears to focus more on style than long-term run-scoring.

Harmer, who has been one of county cricket’s most successful overseas players since joining Essex in 2017, said he still values toughness, consistency and problem-solving above flashy methods.

He also praised the current South Africa setup, particularly the leadership around the Test side, and said the team has become more than the sum of its parts.

Source: The Guardian