From the very beginning of the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy, the International Cricket Council (ICC) faced significant criticism. The primary reason was India, as they were kept at the same venue throughout the tournament, all the way to the final. For this same reason, legendary West Indian pacer Andy Roberts has now taken a swipe at the ICC, accusing it of being dictated by India.
According to Roberts, India was given “special privileges” in the 2025 Champions Trophy. All of India’s matches, including the final, were played in Dubai, whereas other teams had to play in Pakistan. To face India, teams had to travel to Dubai, which, according to Roberts, was a major advantage for them.
Many cricket experts have already claimed that India received special treatment in this tournament, and Roberts has now joined that list. He stated, “Everything cannot always go in India’s favor. The ICC must learn to say ‘no’ to India.”
Roberts further stated that such advantages are not fair and that a level playing field is essential. In his view, India currently controls everything in the ICC.
He added, “This is not fair, and this is not cricket. There should be a level playing field. I understand that a lot of money comes from India, but cricket should not become a one-nation sport. Right now, it feels like a competition dominated by one country, and the game is no longer balanced.”
Roberts believes the ICC now operates at India’s command, doing whatever India dictates. He remarked, “In my view, the ICC now means the Indian Cricket Board. India controls everything. If tomorrow India says, ‘Listen, there will be no no-balls or wides in cricket anymore,’ mark my words, the ICC will find a way to implement that too.”
