South African offspinner Simon Harmer said because of their commercial power India have a great influence on cricket and added that it is the BCCI that controls the ICC.
Last year, South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets in the WTC final at Lord’s to claim their first major ICC trophy in 27 years.
He was also part of the South Africa team that made history by beating India 2-0 in a Test series last year, their first series win in India in 25 years. He played a big role in that success, picking up 17 wickets in just four innings at an impressive average of 8.94.
“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.”
He also spoke highly of South Africa’s current setup under head coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma, saying the side relies more on teamwork than big individual stars.
“That team is more than the sum of its parts, with only a couple of superstars,” he said.
Conrad, in particular, has impressed Harmer with his honest and straightforward style. “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 done very well in county cricket with Essex, took 72 wickets at an average of 19.19 in his first season and helped the team win their first championship in 25 years. He also ended that season, and many after it, as the top spinner in the country, even leading the overall wicket charts in three seasons.
Talking about spin bowling in England, he said it often doesn’t get much importance that it deserves.
“In England, generally your spinners are a bit of an afterthought,” he said.
While he acknowledged the quality of players like Liam Dawson and Jack Leach, he believes their success also depends on the system around them. “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.”
