The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been the richest in world cricket. Their dynamics with other cricket playing nations have varied. The dispute between him and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in the headlines ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. Both subsequent boards refused to travel to India and play against India.
PCB and BCB have requested an investigation into the influence of BCCI in the modern cricket scenario. As the tussle continues, former PCB chief Najam Sethi gave his theory on why the PCB and BCB stepped down for different reasons and also warned BCCI that this is a sign of a changing scenario, which they should take seriously.
Najam Sethi criticized BCCI
Speaking to India Today, Sethi highlighted the strained relations between the two boards over the years, “I am not the spokesperson of the PCB, I am giving you my view. The PCB consulted the government, and they took this decision. There are 10-15 days left before that match. I think talks are taking place, and I hope the talks will be fruitful.”
Najam Sethi also told that India, Australia and England get the major share of ICC’s revenue. This was the reason why BCCI harassed other boards and also isolated Pakistan. Sethi further said that the PCB is unhappy with the nature of the revenue-sharing model and needs to protest for it to be distributed more fairly.
‘Pakistan used to be isolated’- Najam Sethi
He said, “It is the attitude of the BCCI, that is the problem. At every level, they have been intimidating people. Pakistan used to be isolated; it was one of the ten at that time, and then everyone took India’s side. There was no point in standing out. I negotiated for the last entry into the Big Three; we were the last, and we said no, we do not want to be a part of the Big Three.”
He added, “Nine members signed, and Mr. Srinivasan came to me and said, ‘Why do you want to stand alone, blah blah blah, you will be isolated,’ and the rest. We had decided to stand aside and be okay with it, because it was an inherently unequal principle.”
“They said okay, we will modify it, we will increase the shares of other members including ours, and they agreed to play a series with us to compensate for the previous losses we incurred.”
India vs Pakistan generates double the revenue
India vs Pakistan generates twice as much revenue as any other match in any major ICC tournament. If this match does not happen then ICC will have to suffer huge losses.
The apex body will also impose sanctions on the PCB, and they can be banned from world cricket, and they can also impose other penalties on the Pakistan Cricket Board. This match is to be held on 15 February at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
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