Does BCCI control ICC? South Africa spinner makes massive allegation
Simon Harmer said India's financial muscle gives the BCCI decisive sway over cricket's direction. His remarks came as South Africa's recent rise challenged old hierarchies on and off the field.
Simon Harmer makes allegations against ICC's independence (Photo PTI)
South African off-spinner Simon Harmer has made a sharp observation about India’s growing influence in world cricket and the imbalance it creates, despite South Africa’s recent World Test Championship triumph. South Africa, last year,defeated Australia by five wickets in the WTC final at Lord’s to claim their first major ICC trophy in 27 years.
Harmer believes India’s commercial strength and administrative influence allow them to shape the direction of the game.
“Because of their commercial power, they have all of the power,” he told The Guardian. “The BCCI controls the ICC. But what can we do? As a player, you just control the controllables. The only thing that changes the narrative is winning trophies.”
Harmer was also part of the South African team that secured a historic 2-0 Test series win in India last year, its first in 25 years. He played a key role in the whitewash, taking 17 wickets in four innings at an average of 8.94. He also expressed admiration for South Africa’s current setup under head coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma, describing it as a team built on collective strength rather than individual star power.
“That team is more than the sum of its parts, with only a couple of superstars,” he said. Conrad, in particular, has earned Harmer’s respect for his direct and uncompromising approach. “If he thinks you’re not good enough, he’ll tell you straight. I rate that. I’ve not always had that.”
Harmer, who has enjoyed strong success in county cricket with Essex, taking 72 wickets at 19.19 in his first season and helping them win their first championship in 25 years, also reflected on the role of spinners in English conditions. He finished that season, and several that followed, as the leading spinner in the country. In three of those seasons, he topped the overall wicket charts.
“In England, generally your spinners are a bit of an afterthought,” he said.
While acknowledging the quality of bowlers like Liam Dawson and Jack Leach, he felt their impact is often shaped by the surrounding systems. “It’s not a lack of resources - you’ve got 18 counties,” Harmer added. “But how many have a spin-bowling coach? Probably two or three.”
He suggested that county structures often limit spinner's influence and push them into supporting roles rather than leadership ones.
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