Former West Indies pacer Andy Roberts has strongly criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for allegedly favoring India in major cricket tournaments. He accused the governing body of yielding to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and giving the Indian team an unfair advantage.
The controversy escalated during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, originally scheduled in Pakistan but played under a hybrid model. All of India’s matches were relocated to Dubai, a move sanctioned in an ICC board meeting. This decision followed a new policy for the 2024-2027 cycle, which mandates that India-Pakistan matches scheduled in Pakistan must be shifted to a neutral venue.
“India Controls ICC,” Says Roberts
In a recent interview, Roberts slammed the ICC for bending to India’s influence. He also pointed to the T20 World Cup 2024, where he claimed India had prior knowledge of its semi-final fixture against England in Guyana.
“Something’s got to give… India can’t get everything. The ICC must say no to India at times,” Roberts said.
“How can a team not travel at all during a tournament?” he questioned.
The 74-year-old cricket legend further claimed that BCCI controls ICC’s key decisions, making India the dominant force in world cricket.
“To me, ICC stands for the Indian Cricket Board. India dictates everything. If tomorrow, India says, ‘There should be no no-balls and wides,’ take my word, the ICC will find a way to satisfy India,” he remarked.
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Michael Atherton Raises Similar Concerns
Former England captain Michael Atherton echoed similar concerns about India’s exclusive scheduling in Dubai. He pointed out that India’s single-venue advantage reduced fatigue and eliminated the need for travel, unlike other teams.
“What about the advantage India has in playing only in Dubai? It’s hard to quantify but undeniably an advantage,” Atherton noted.
“They don’t have to travel between venues or countries, while other teams do,” he added.
India Wins Third Champions Trophy Title
Despite the criticism, India clinched the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This marked India’s third Champions Trophy victory, following wins in 2002 and 2013.
Chasing a target of 252 runs, India comfortably reached the total with six wickets in hand and six balls to spare.
The debate over India’s influence in world cricket continues, with many questioning whether the ICC’s decisions truly uphold fairness and neutrality in the game.
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