Simon Harmer says BCCI ‘controls ICC’ due to India’s commercial power

South Africa spinner Simon Harmer said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wielded significant influence over the International Cricket Council (ICC), according to a report by The Guardian on Tuesday. Harmer, speaking ahead of South Africa’s preparations for the World Test Championship final, said players had little control over administrative matters in global cricket. “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, ” Harmer told The Guardian in an interview. The 36-year-old off-spinner was referring to the influence India’s cricket board holds in the global game through its commercial power and broadcast revenues. The comments come amid continued debate around scheduling, governance and the balance of power in international cricket, with India remaining the sport’s largest financial market. Harmer, who has spent much of his recent career in county cricket with Essex, said players instead needed to focus on performances on the field rather than broader political or administrative issues. South Africa is due to face Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next month.

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