LONDON: Michael Holding has hit out at India for wielding “too much power” in world cricket.
India are the sport’s financial powerhouse on account of cricket’s massive following in the world’s second most populous nation.
They also currently boast the 50-over world champions and the game’s top-ranked Test side.
But there have long been concerns about the way the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI) uses its influence in the sport’s corridors of power.
For example, last week the International Cricket Council announced the controversial Decision Review System would be made mandatory in all Tests and one-dayers.
However, it added that ball-tracking devices – which India objects to – would only be used to assist in lbw decisions with the agreement of both teams.
“I have no sympathy with India,” said former West Indies fast bowler Holding.
“They have too much power.
“I do not believe any country should be able to dictate to the rest of the world,” Holding, now a television commentator, added.
“In the Caribbean we have been fans of Brazilian football for many years. Brazil has dominated many World Cups.
“But they could never go to FIFA and say ‘this is what we want’. They could never dictate the path of the sport,” Holding insisted.
“Only the organisation that runs the sport should dictate its path.
Holding was speaking at the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture delivered by Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara at Lord’s on Monday. (Agencies)