The Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack has used its 2026 edition to deliver a sharp critique of India’s growing political influence in world cricket, warning that the sport’s governance is becoming “increasingly Orwellian.”
Editor Lawrence Booth pointed to what he described as an “unhealthy dominance” by India in global cricket administration, noting that the International Cricket Council currently has Indian officials in key leadership roles, including chairman Jay Shah. Wisden described the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as closely aligned with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
The almanack cited several examples of political interference, including tensions during the 2025 Asia Cup between India and Pakistan, political messaging surrounding international matches, and the withdrawal of Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from an Indian Premier League deal amid diplomatic tensions between Dhaka and New Delhi.
Wisden warned that the growing politicisation of cricket risks undermining the sport’s governance structures, adding that global cricket is “increasingly shaped by India’s influence and political considerations.”
The editorial carries implications for smaller cricket boards, including Sri Lanka Cricket, which has long voiced concerns about unequal power distribution within the ICC. SLC’s funding allocations and scheduling are directly influenced by ICC governance decisions where India wields outsized voting power.
The Wisden Almanack, published annually since 1864, is widely regarded as the most authoritative record of world cricket.
