Former England captain Tony Greig has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to abandon self interest and embrace the spirit of cricket and govern in the best interests of world cricket, not just for India and its business partners.

Delivering the MCC Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture at Lord’s on Tuesday night, Greig insisted the BCCI was sacrificing the spirit of cricket for financial gain.

He said the longest format of the game was being marginalised because India were monopolising on the success of Twenty20 competitions - the Indian Premier League and Champions League.

“Unfortunately, India is pre-occupied with money and T20 cricket, and sees its IPL and Champions League as more important than a proper international calendar,” Greig said.

Tony Greig.