Overview
- In the 2026 Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, editor Lawrence Booth says Indian political sway has made the sport’s governance “increasingly Orwellian.”
- He describes India’s board as a “sporting adjunct” of the ruling BJP and cites Asia Cup handshake refusals and nationalist messages from captain Suryakumar Yadav and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Booth points to Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, saying Kolkata Knight Riders released him at the BCCI’s behest, which he links to Bangladesh withdrawing from the 2026 T20 World Cup after the ICC kept their matches in India.
- He argues the ICC allowed India to avoid travel to Pakistan by staging 2025 Champions Trophy games in Dubai but did not grant Bangladesh’s request to move World Cup fixtures to co‑host Sri Lanka.
- AFP notes the ICC is led by Indian figures Jay Shah as chairman and Sanjog Gupta as chief executive, a concentration Booth says underpins unequal outcomes.