Key points
- ICC stands for the Indian Cricket Board: Roberts
- Says ICC gave India an “unfair advantage” in Champions Trophy
- India played all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai
ISLAMABAD: Former West Indies cricket star Andy Roberts has strongly criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for reportedly catering to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s demands during the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The mega event, originally designated to be hosted by Pakistan, was played in a hybrid model, with Dubai hosting all of India’s matches.
This model was approved during an ICC board meeting, according to which, during the 2024-2027 cycle, any event originally scheduled to be played in Pakistan involving India would be held at a neutral venue.
“Unfair advantage”
According to media reports, Roberts alleged the ICC of giving India an unfair advantage in both the Champions Trophy and the T20 World Cup 2024, where India was allegedly pre-informed about their semi-final fixture against England in Guyana.
He further said that the BCCI holds significant influence over the ICC, dictating major decisions in international cricket.
“To me, the ICC stands for the Indian Cricket Board. India dictates everything. If tomorrow, India says, ‘Listen, there should be no no-balls and wides,’ take my word, the ICC will find a way to satisfy India,” he said.
If tomorrow, India says, ‘Listen, there should be no no-balls and wides,’ take my word, the ICC will find a way to satisfy India.” – Former cricketer Andy Roberts
“Something’s got to give… India can’t get everything. The ICC must say no to India at times. India even had an advantage at last year’s T20 World Cup, where they knew in advance where their semi-final would be played,” Roberts added.
“At the Champions Trophy, India did not have to travel at all. How can a team not travel during a tournament?” Roberts questioned.
