Andy Roberts, a former West Indies cricketer, has come down heavily on the International Cricket Council (ICC), stating that India has an excessive hold on the governing body.

In a statement reported by Mid-Day, Roberts opined, "To me, the ICC is the Indian Cricket Board. India calls the shots. If tomorrow, India decides, 'listen, there shouldn't be any no-balls and wides,' take my word, the ICC will somehow try to oblige India."

His remarks indicate that the ICC plays favorites with India in decision-making, which can impact the equity of the game.

This is coming in the wake of the cricket fraternity gearing up to host the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place in Pakistan. The competition has already evoked controversies with issues surrounding security, fixtures, and participation from teams.

Robert's comments have set the air abuzz for cricket enthusiasts with some agreeing India wields undue influence as the sport's most financially powerful governing body, whereas others think that the ICC remains an impartial sports body.

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"It's Not Fair, It's Not Cricket"

Speaking of his annoyance, Roberts added, "Something's got to give India can't get everything. The ICC must say no to India sometimes. How can a team not travel during a tournament? It is not fair, it's not cricket."

He also alleged that India has too much control over the ICC, making a joke that if India ever requested no wides or no-balls in cricket, the ICC would somehow make it possible.

India's Response

Indian captain Rohit Sharma and ex-cricketer Gautam Gambhir during the tournament denied allegations of favoritism, saying that India did not get any special treatment.

But Roberts and most other authorities do not think that cricket must be dominated by a single country. He cautioned that the sport may lose its competitive balance if favoritism keeps on going.