India’s victorious campaign in the recent ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has triggered fresh criticism, with legendary West Indies fast bowler Andy Roberts accusing the ICC of favoring India. The veteran pacer stated that the governing body must stop bending to India’s demands and ensure a level playing field for all teams.
The Rohit Sharma-led side clinched their record third Champions Trophy title after defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final. The tournament, officially hosted by Pakistan, witnessed an unusual arrangement where the Men in Blue played all their matches in Dubai due to the Indian government’s refusal to allow travel to Pakistan.
While other teams had to move between Pakistan and the UAE, India were at one venue throughout the 19-day tournament. This raised questions about fairness and sparked discussions on whether the ICC had granted the Men in Blue an unfair advantage. Many revealed that reduced travel fatigue and familiar playing conditions worked in the side's favor, leading to their success in the tournament.
"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. At the Champions Trophy, India did not have to travel at all. How can a team not travel during a tournament?" he said, as quoted by Mid-Day.
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It is not fair, it’s not cricket: Andy Roberts
The legendary speedster further blamed the ICC of being overly accommodating toward India and claimed that the organization is entirely influenced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“It is not fair, it’s not cricket. There has to be a level playing field. I know a lot of money comes from India, but cricket ought not to be a one-country sport. 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 added.
This is not the first time such accusations have come up. Similar points were put up in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where India’s semi-final venue was pre-decided. Many said that these decisions tilt the competition in the Men in Blue's favor.
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