Andy Roberts Criticizes ICC Over India’s Champions Trophy Victory

Accusations of favoritism have surfaced once again after India winning the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Sunday. Former West Indies pacer Andy Roberts has raised concerns, stating that the ICC bends too much to India’s demands, creating an unfair advantage for the team. There was already some heavy doubts on this so called ‘homefield advantage’ during the tournament, to which players and staff had already responded.

This is not the first time such criticism has come up. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, many pointed out that India’s semi-final venue was pre-decided, which some saw as an unfair advantage. Similar discussions have now resurfaced after India played all their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai, unlike other teams that had to shuttle between Pakistan and the UAE. Critics argue that reduced travel and familiar conditions worked in India’s favor.

“Something’s got to give. India can’t get everything.”

Rohit Sharma’s team claimed their third Champions Trophy title by defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final. The tournament was officially hosted by Pakistan, but due to the Indian government’s decision to avoid travel to Pakistan, all of India’s matches were scheduled in Dubai.

Andy Roberts Calls Out the ICC

Roberts did not hold back his thoughts on the matter.

“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.

The former fast bowler went on to claim that the ICC is heavily influenced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He believes that financial power has led to India dictating decisions at the highest level of the game.

“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.