“ICC stands for the Indian Cricket Board” - Former WI cricketer makes a stunning statement

Former West Indies fast bowler Andy Roberts has launched a scathing attack on the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing the governing body of prioritizing the interests of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) over the fairness of the sport. Roberts believes India's financial and commercial influence has led to biased decision-making, undermining the integrity of international cricket competitions.

The controversy erupted after the 2025 Champions Trophy, which was originally scheduled to be hosted in Pakistan. Due to India's refusal to travel to the neighboring country, the ICC implemented a hybrid model, allowing the Indian team to play all their matches, including the knockouts, in Dubai. This move was met with backlash from the global cricketing fraternity, as it provided India with a significant advantage, culminating in their dominant victory over New Zealand in the final.

"The ICC must say no to India at times" - Andy Roberts on cricketing imbalance

Expressing his frustration over the situation, Andy Roberts stated that the ICC has become overly accommodating to India’s demands, to the detriment of other teams. Speaking to Mid-Day (via News18), he said, "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."

Roberts also criticized the scheduling of the 2024 T20 World Cup knockouts, where India was pre-assigned a semifinal venue regardless of their performance in the Super 8 stage. This decision, reportedly taken to align with Indian broadcast timings, was seen as another instance of favoritism. "Something’s got to give... India can't get everything. The ICC must say no to India at times," he remarked.

The former pacer further questioned how India managed to avoid travel entirely during the Champions Trophy, while other teams had to move between venues. New Zealand, for instance, played across four different locations, enduring travel fatigue throughout the tournament. "At the Champions Trophy, India did not have to travel at all. How can a team not travel during a tournament?" Roberts added.

The debate surrounding India’s influence over global cricket administration continues to intensify, with critics calling for a more balanced approach to decision-making. Whether the ICC addresses these concerns or continues its current path remains to be seen.

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