South African off-spinner Simon Harmer has taken a sharp look at India’s growing influence in world cricket and the imbalance it is creating despite South Africa’s recent World Test Championship triumph. South Africa beat Australia by five wickets in the WTC final at Lord’s last year to win their first major ICC trophy in 27 years.
Harmer believes that India’s business power and administrative influence allow them to shape the direction of the game.
“They have all the power because of their business power,” he told The Guardian. “The BCCI controls the ICC. But what can we do? As a player, you only control the controllables. The only thing that changes the story is winning trophies.”
Harmer was also part of the South African team which secured a historic 2-0 Test series win in India last year, the first in 25 years. He played a key role at the lime, taking 17 wickets at an average of 8.94 in four innings. He also expressed admiration for South Africa’s current set-up under head coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma, describing it as a team built on collective strength rather than individual star power. Simon Harmer with captain Temba Bavuma (Photo Reuters)
“That team is more than the sum of its parts, it just has a few superstars,” he said. Conrad, in particular, earned Harmer’s respect through his direct and uncompromising approach. “If he thinks you’re not good enough, he’ll tell you straight up. I appreciate that. I haven’t always been that way.”
Harmer, who enjoyed great success in county cricket with Essexwho took 72 wickets at 19.19 in his first season to help them win their first championship in 25 years, also reflected on the role of spinners in English conditions. He finished that season and several more as the leading driver in the country. In three of those seasons, he topped the scoring total.
“In England your spinning wheels are a bit of an afterthought,” he said.
While he acknowledged the quality of bowlers such as Liam Dawson and Jack Leach, he felt their impact was often shaped by the systems around them. “It’s not a lack of resources — you have 18 counties,” Harmer added. “But how many of them have a spin-bowling coach? Probably two or three.”
He suggested that district structures often limit the influence of spinners, pushing them into supporting roles rather than leading ones.
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Published on:
05 May 2026 18:48 IST
