The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has long been a subject of scrutiny and debate, particularly regarding its influence over the International Cricket Council (ICC).

This influence, driven largely by the BCCI’s financial clout, has far-reaching implications for the global cricket landscape.

Now, with the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy just finished with India being the champion, it’s an opportune moment to examine how the BCCI’s economic might shapes the ICC’s decisions, and what that means for the future of international cricket.

As the wealthiest cricket board in the world, the BCCI’s financial contributions to the ICC cannot be overstated.

The BCCI is expected to earn around $230 million annually between 2024 and 2027, a figure that represents nearly 40% of the ICC's total revenue.

This financial dominance has placed the BCCI in an enviable position of leverage, allowing it to wield significant influence over key decisions within the ICC.

It is widely believed that the BCCI’s substantial financial input gives it the power to align ICC policies with India’s interests, often pushing them to the forefront of international cricket affairs.

The financial relationship between the BCCI and the ICC is grounded in a revenue-sharing model, where the ICC distributes a portion of its earnings to its member boards.

Given the size of its contribution, the BCCI is a central player in this model, with its financial strength directly impacting the direction of the sport.

This economic positioning has translated into a dominant voice in ICC discussions on policies, regulations, and governance.

A threat to fair competition in cricket

The most recent example of the BCCI’s leverage came during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which was officially hosted by Pakistan.

Due to security concerns raised by the BCCI, all of India’s matches were scheduled in Dubai, while other teams had to travel between Pakistan and the UAE.

This arrangement gave India a clear advantage: by limiting travel and acclimating to a single venue, the Indian team could reduce fatigue and ensure consistent playing conditions throughout the tournament.

In contrast, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), with fewer financial resources, lacked the bargaining power to secure similar concessions.

This disparity in influence highlights the unequal playing field created by the BCCI’s economic dominance.

Critics, including former cricketers like Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton, have spoken out against the favoritism shown toward India by the International Cricket Council (ICC), calling the current setup unfair.

They argue that such preferential treatment undermines the essence of fair competition, transforming international cricket from a merit-based arena into a stage where financial clout dictates the rules rather than skill and sportsmanship.

West Indies cricket legend Andy Roberts also criticized the ICC for allowing India to set the terms, warning that such arrangements skew the integrity of the competition.

Journalist Gideon Haigh further pointed out that the BCCI's significant influence lets it dictate conditions, contributing to growing perceptions of favoritism.

The BCCI’s dominance also raises serious concerns about the integrity of global cricketing events and the ICC's ability to act independently.

Moreover, the use of security concerns as a geopolitical tool to sideline Pakistan further complicates the issue.

There is a growing likelihood that the BCCI will continue to wield this tool whenever necessary, particularly when the Indian team faces criticism from global cricket fans.

ICC’s cowing down sets a disturbing precedent

Recently, following the fall of a fascist regime in Bangladesh, India suspended its visa operations, citing security concerns.

Given India’s geopolitical ties with the former government, this move highlights how security fears can be shaped by broader political contexts.

Additionally, during India’s recent tour to Australia, Indian players were met with more boos than during their previous visit, signaling rising discontent.

These issues indicate a growing wave of criticism directed at the BCCI and the Indian cricket team, which will likely continue to escalate security concerns.

The ICC’s willingness to accommodate India’s demands sets a troubling precedent, where financial power, rather than merit, begins to dictate the future of the sport.

This trend diminishes the spirit of international cricket, turning it into little more than a pawn in the monopolistic ambitions of one board.

While the BCCI’s financial contributions are undeniably essential to the ICC, the resulting hegemony it exerts poses significant challenges to the fairness and integrity of international cricket.

In order to preserve a level playing field, the ICC must find a way to balance financial interests with the core principles of fair play and meritocracy.

The differing treatment of Pakistan in the 2023 Cricket World Cup and India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy starkly highlights the need for reform to ensure that financial power does not overshadow the true spirit of the sport.

To many cricket lovers, these disparities seem out of place, casting doubt on the integrity of the sport they hold dear.

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Faysal Shuvo, PhD is is an Australia based community cricketer, urban analyst