'ICC stands for the Indian Cricket Board': Andy Roberts
What's the story
Andy Roberts, the legendary former West Indies cricketer, has taken a dig at the International Cricket Council (ICC) for allegedly giving preferential treatment to India in marquee tournaments.
His remarks come after cricketing legend Viv Richards questioned the ICC's decision to schedule all of India's 2025 Champions Trophy games in Dubai.
Roberts also expressed his displeasure over ICC's pre-decided venue for India's T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final.
Home advantage
Roberts questions India's home advantage in tournaments
Roberts expressed his concerns over India's apparent advantage in international tournaments.
He wondered how a team could play in a tournament without having to travel, specifically referring to India's experience at the Champions Trophy.
"At the Champions Trophy, India did not have to travel at all. How can a team not travel during a tournament?" he asked Mid-Day.
Control
Roberts accuses BCCI of controlling the ICC
Roberts also accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of controlling the ICC.
He said, "To me, the ICC stands for the Indian Cricket Board. India dictates everything."
He even went as far as to say that if India were to propose changes like removing no-balls and wides, he believes "the ICC will find a way to satisfy India."
Political tensions
Roberts addresses political tensions affecting cricket
Roberts also addressed the political tensions between India and Pakistan, which kept India from visiting Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.
Although he avoided commenting on the politics, he blamed the ICC for the controversy over the matter during the tournament.
"I believe the people who are responsible, in terms of the governing and the ruling of the game in itself which is the ICC, they're the ones who I think got the problem," Roberts said.
Performance
India's recent performance in ICC tournaments
India has been on an incredible run in the last three ICC limited-overs events, having lost only one match.
During the 2023 ODI World Cup, hosts India played their group-stage games at different venues across the country. The same happened in India's victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign.
This performance has ignited the debate if India are really getting favorable conditions in these mega tournaments.