A report published by the New York Times has supported the stance taken by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on issues of governance and political influence in international cricket, while sharply criticising India’s growing dominance over the sport and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the New York Times highlighted concerns over alleged double standards within the ICC and pointed to India’s disproportionate influence on decision-making in global cricket.
The newspaper said the ICC derives nearly 40 percent of its total revenue from India, a financial reality that, it argued, has tilted the balance of power within the sport.
The New York Times noted that decisions taken under pressure from India have undermined the principle of keeping politics separate from sports. It is said that India has effectively “held world cricket hostage” by leveraging its commercial importance.
The report cited the example of the Champions Trophy, recalling that India refused to travel to Pakistan in 2025, while Pakistan later declined to play its T20 World Cup matches in India. When Bangladesh followed a similar position, the newspaper said, it was excluded from the tournament altogether, a move that raised serious questions about consistency and fairness in ICC policies.
The New York Times described India’s dominance as a threat to the future of global cricket and identified political interference as a key factor behind recurring controversies, including disputes surrounding the T20 World Cup.
The newspaper further reported that Pakistan boycotted its match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh, a decision endorsed by the Pakistani government on the principle that politics should not dictate sporting engagements.
According to the report, the boycott by Pakistan and Bangladesh cast doubts over the credibility and integrity of the World Cup.
The New York Times also pointed out that the current ICC chairman is the son of India’s interior minister, Amit Shah, describing this relationship as symbolic of India’s expanding political influence in international cricket administration.
The report estimated that a Pakistan-India match could generate approximately $250 million in revenue, underlining why India’s role is financially pivotal for the ICC. However, it stressed that commercial interests should not override fairness, transparency and the fundamental values of sport.
