Wisden laments 'colonial-style divide and rule' for international cricket
The sport's 'bible' says followers of the code will be holding their breath as India takes the central leadership, backed by Australia and England
International cricket is set for a future of "colonial-style divide and rule", and will be "holding its breath" over the extent of Indian influence, according to the 2014 edition of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack published on Wednesday.
In February, changes to the governance of the International Cricket Council (ICC), handed the majority of the powers and revenue to the sport's "big three" nations - India, Australia and England.
Cricket is appallingly administered, and is vulnerable to economic exploitation
"Here was colonial-style divide and rule," the English editor of cricket's "bible", Lawrence Booth, wrote in the 151st edition of British-based Wisden, published every year since 1864.
"Cricket is appallingly administered, and is vulnerable to economic exploitation by the country [India] powerful enough to exploit it and the two countries [Australia and England] prepared to lend their plans credibility."
He added: "As India prepare to take their 'central leadership responsibility', international cricket holds its breath."
Turning to events on the field, Booth said England's 5-0 thrashing by Australia in the 2013/14 Ashes represented an all-time low.