'BCCI can get wides and non-balls removed if they want': West Indian legend launches attack on India

West Indian legend Andy Robert in his criticism of BCCI and Indian cricket team said that in the current scenario, the ICC appears to function as the Indian Cricket Board and suggested that the global body might even eliminate wides or no-balls if India opposed them.

ICC has been accused of favouring Team India by West Indies legend Andy Roberts. Image: Reuters

FirstCricket Staff|Mar 12, 2025, 15:56:38 IST

The uproar against the Indian cricket team enjoying a single venue advantage at the recently-concluded Champions Trophy 2025 and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) dictating terms in world cricket took a new turn when West Indian legend Andy Roberts joined the criticism of the Men in Blue and their board.

Two-time World Cup champion and one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, Roberts, has said that the ICC, which is currently led by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, needs to start saying no to BCCI's demands as cricket cannot be a "one-country" sport.

Roberts' criticism against Team India and BCCI came after Rohit Sharma's Men in Blue won the Champions Trophy 2025 while playing all their matches in Dubai under a hybrid model. India had refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament due to security reasons and as a result, the ICC allowed them to play their matches in the UAE.

BCCI can get wides and non-balls removed if they want them

Earlier, BCCI had faced criticism from various other experts and journalists.

“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.

“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.”

Roberts went on to add that, in the current scenario, it seems like the ICC stands for the Indian Cricket Board and that the global body would even remove wides or no-balls if India didn’t like them.

“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,” Roberts added.

Rohit Sharma finally responds to growing speculation over his India future: 'Let the noise be there'

India ODI opener Rohit Sharma silenced speculation about his future with a record‑breaking performance at Lord’s Cricket Ground. HE became the first Indian cricketer to score an ODI century at the iconic venue.

2 min read

Shubman Gill pins India's loss on death-over lapses after England run riot: 'We gave away lot of runs'

India ODI captain Shubman Gill rued over the team's shortcomings in the third match against England. India suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Three Lions in the one-day series.

1 min read

Rohit shines with historic Lord's ton, but England seal series 2-1

With his back against the wall and an illustrious career on the line, Rohit Sharma silenced his critics the only way he can, smashing one of his most celebrated centuries in recent memory, though it wasn't enough to prevent a 27run defeat in the third ODI against England, as India surrendered the series 12 here Sunday

4 min read

India and England players don black armbands, observe minute's silence at Lord's to honour Sir Garfield Sobers

Players of India and England wore black armbands and held a minute's silence at Lord’s Cricket Ground ahead of the third ODI to honour legendary West Indies all‑rounder Sir Garfield Sobers.

1 min read

India coach shrugs off Rohit Sharma form woes amid speculation on ODI future: 'He brings that calmness'

India bowling coach Morne Morkel shrugged off any form-related concern over former India his captain Rohit Sharma after he failed to put up impactful knocks in past two matches.