Former ICC Official Alleges Political Favoritism Towards India in Cricket
In a stunning revelation that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, former ICC match referee Chris Broad has alleged that India received preferential treatment from the sport's governing body during his tenure. Broad, the father of England fast bowler Stuart Broad, claims he was once instructed to be lenient towards India regarding over-rate penalties, highlighting what he perceives as deep-seated political influences within the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Broad's accusations center around the assertion that the ICC, now allegedly influenced by India's financial power, showed flagrant leniency towards the Indian team. He suggests that the shift occurred after Vince van der Bijl, the former ICC umpires manager, left his position, leading to weaker management and increased political maneuvering within the organization. "India got all the money and have now taken over the ICC so in many ways. I'm pleased I'm not around because it's a much more political position now than it ever has been", Broad stated.
Adding fuel to the fire, Broad recounted a specific incident where he was told to "be lenient" when it came to India's over-rate. While he didn't specify the exact context, the implication is that external pressures were exerted to shield India from potential sanctions. However, Broad stated that Sourav Ganguly, former India captain, "didn't listen".
These allegations have sparked debate about the ICC's impartiality and its ability to govern the sport fairly. This isn't the first time the ICC has faced accusations of favoring India. In March 2025, former West Indies cricketer Andy Roberts made similar claims, asserting that the ICC consistently makes decisions to favor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Roberts went so far as to say, "To me, the ICC stands for the Indian Cricket Board. India dictates everything". He pointed to instances such as the Champions Trophy 2025, where India played all their matches in Dubai, raising questions about preferential treatment.
In light of these allegations, it's important to note that not everyone agrees with this assessment. In 2022, BCCI president Roger Binny refuted claims of unfair favoritism, stating that "everyone gets the same treatment" from the ICC. He defended the ICC, emphasizing that all teams are treated equally and dismissing any notion of India receiving special privileges.
The claims made by Chris Broad add another layer to the ongoing discussion about the balance of power and influence within international cricket. These allegations arrive in a time where concerns about fairness and impartiality in sports governance are more important than ever. It remains to be seen whether the ICC will address these concerns and take steps to ensure a level playing field for all its members.
