# Indian Journalist Claims ICC Functions as “BCCI’s Dubai Office”

> Bangladesh’s exclusion from a World Cup event has sparked criticism over India’s influence in the ICC. At a 21 January emergency meeting, 14 votes went against Bangladesh, with only Pakistan supporting them. Indian jour…

Published: 2026-01-28 · Desk: Latest · Source: BD Cric Time

A recent ICC decision excluding Bangladesh from a World Cup event has sparked debate over India’s influence in global cricket governance. At an emergency ICC board meeting on 21 January, 14 votes went against Bangladesh, while only two supported them—Pakistan being the sole ally. Scotland was subsequently chosen to replace Bangladesh.

The controversy has renewed discussions about India’s sway within the ICC, currently chaired by Jay Shah, son of India’s Home Minister Amit Shah and former BCCI secretary. Indian sports journalist Sharda Ugra told The Wire that the outcome was unsurprising, saying, “Everyone knows now that the ICC is effectively the BCCI’s Dubai office.” She added that ICC decisions increasingly mirror the Indian board’s interests rather than neutral governance.

Ugra questioned why the ICC has previously accommodated alternative venues for India or Pakistan over security concerns, yet did not do the same for Bangladesh. She argued that Bangladesh lacks influence and allies on the ICC board to advocate effectively for its interests, despite having nearly 200 million cricket fans.

She suggested that if India had refused to play in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, or Bangladesh, the ICC would have “100 percent” arranged alternate venues. Ugra speculated that the decision not to move Bangladesh’s matches may reflect the BCCI’s “ego factor.” She also noted that several key ICC positions, including CEO Sanjog Gupta, are held by Indian nationals appointed during Jay Shah’s tenure, potentially affecting outcomes.

The decision has sparked widespread discussion in the cricketing world, raising concerns about the balance of power and whether smaller nations are treated fairly in international cricket.

Original reporting: https://bn.bdcrictime.com/%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%87%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%9A%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9B%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%86%E0%A6%87%E0%A7%9F%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%87-%E0%A6%85%E0%A6%AB%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B8?fbclid=IwY2xjawPm0t5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF5ZlF4T29MWGc0M1JmOFBOc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvzhflA9TohlroXSjfBVShaizp1YQfznMv4oGNzZTQwmmi4L5fjuDoPA3yrN_aem_uMM8wDw6g8Ecg62NEpODrQ
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