West Indies' legendary fast bowler Andy Roberts has lashed out at the International Cricket Council (ICC) for allegedly favouring India in marquee events via scheduling. Days after legendary Viv Richards questioned ICC over India playing all their Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai, Roberts questioned the apex board for deciding in advance where India will play their T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal as well.
“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 told Mid-Day.
“At the Champions Trophy, India did not have to travel at all. How can a team not travel during a tournament?" the 74-year-old asked.
Roberts went on to say that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) controls the ICC.
“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 said.
What Richards said about the issue
India did not travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to political tensions between the two. He did not want to comment on the politics but blamed ICC for the controversy that took centrestage in the marquee tournament.
"People may have a point when they say that. I guess that's due to politics — I don't want to get into the politics side of things,” he said as quoted by PTI.
“But 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.
“I would like them to come up with an answer, why? If they are the governing body of cricket, why is that happening at present? I honestly believe one of the things that can bring all of us together, fans and everyone, even enemies together, (is) sports," he added.
Gavaskar backs Gambhir
Meanwhile, India head coach Gautam Gambhir called those claiming India had an adavantage in Dubai as 'perpertual cribbers'. Legendary Sunil Gavaskar who tackled and excelled against the West Indies' menacing pace quartet backed Gambhir as well.
"Without a question, any team that reaches all three finals, the 50-over final where they finished as runners-up, the T20 World Cup victory, and now the Champions Trophy must be considered the best white-ball team on the planet," Gavaskar told India Today.
“There's no doubt whatsoever. Cribbers might crib, as Gambhir said, but to be able to reach all these finals, with no home advantage, and still win, speaks for itself,” he added.
Meanwhile, India have lost just one match in the last three ICC white-ball events. During the ODI World Cup 2023, India played all their nine group stage games at different venues.