ICC president hits back at Akram allegations

Akram was widely reported last week saying that the ICC is dominated by former white cricketers.

"It is a great disappointment to see this former great player, particularly as he is from my own homeland, make such ill-informed, offensive and inaccurate comments," Mani, who is from Pakistan, said in a statement.

"With former Indian captain, Sunil Gavaskar, as chairman of the ICC cricket committee ... and with former Sir Lankan captain, Ranjan Madugalle, and Sri Lankan player, Roshan Mahanama, among the Emirates elite panel of referees we have access to some outstanding cricketing people to deal with cricket issues. In this process, the views of the Asian region are well represented," Mani said.

Mani said that Akram's allegations were not just offensive to him but to everybody involved with the ICC and many former great players from across the cricketing world.

"His (Akram's) comments are not supported by any facts, are ill-informed and make no constructive contribution to the debate on moving cricket forward," he said.

"In light of the reality of the modern ICC, these comments are a poor reflection on Wasim's ability to play a constructive role in debating cricketing issues and bring into question his ability to research, understand and make judgments on the way in which the ICC carries out its mandate from all members."

Akram retired from international cricket two years ago after playing 104 tests and 352 one-day internationals.