The 74-year-old further claimed that the BCCI has too much control over the ICC and international cricket decisions
12 March, 2025
PHOTO: AFP
Former West Indies fast bowler Andy Roberts has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC), claiming that the organization gives special treatment to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He raised concerns over India's scheduling in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and last year's T20 World Cup.
The Champions Trophy was originally supposed to be hosted in Pakistan but was played in a hybrid model, with India’s matches moved to Dubai. This decision was made in an ICC board meeting, which stated that during the 2024-2027 cycle, any match involving India that was scheduled in Pakistan would instead take place at a neutral venue.
Roberts argued that this arrangement gave India an unfair advantage, just as he believed happened in the T20 World Cup 2024, where India was allegedly given prior knowledge of their semi-final venue in Guyana.
“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 said.
He also questioned why India did not have to travel during the Champions Trophy, unlike other teams.
“At the Champions Trophy, India did not have to travel at all. How can a team not travel during a tournament?" he asked.
The 74-year-old further claimed that the BCCI has too much control over the ICC and international cricket decisions.
“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 remarked.
Former England captain Michael Atherton also raised concerns about India's scheduling in Dubai, saying it gave them an advantage.
“What about the advantage India has in playing in Dubai, only in Dubai, which seems to me to be hard to quantify but an undeniable advantage? They’re playing at just one venue,” Atherton said.
“They don’t have to travel either between venues or, you know, between countries, as a lot of other teams have to do,” he added.
Despite the criticism, India went on to win the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by defeating New Zealand in the final by four wickets. This was India’s third Champions Trophy title, having previously won in 2002 and 2013.
Chasing 252 runs, India secured victory with six wickets in hand and six balls to spare.
