NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC), saying the global body risks becoming "irrelevant" if it fails to address what he described as the growing dominance of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Speaking to the media at an event in Karachi, Ajmal said the ICC must be able to take "unbiased and principled decisions in the overall interest of world cricket".

He added that if the governing body is unable to act in an unbiased and principled manner, it would raise serious questions about its purpose and functioning.

"If the ICC can't enforce its decisions on the Indian board then its very existence is unnecessary," he said.

Ajmal claimed that most Test-playing nations share this view but choose not to voice it publicly.

He said the ICC agreeing to India's refusal to play in Pakistan even in global competitions is a prime example of the world body's "helplessness".

"There is no logical reason for India not to play in Pakistan but the ICC is helpless because it is dominated by Indians now," he alleged.

India's decision not to tour Pakistan stems from security concerns and the Indian government's refusal to approve bilateral sporting ties between the two nations.

Consequently, India-Pakistan cricket matches, which are now confined to ICC white-ball events, are being played exclusively at neutral venues.

Last year, the India-Pakistan bilateral ties hit rock bottom after the Pahalgam terror attack which was followed by a brief military showdown.

The ICC is currently led by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah.