The International Cricket Council (ICC) has long faced accusations of favoring the Indian cricket team, and the latest evidence comes from one of its own — former match referee Chris Broad.
In a candid interview with The Telegraph, the Englishman revealed that he was once asked to “be lenient” to help India avoid an over-rate penalty during an international match.
“India were three or four overs down at the end of a game, so it constituted a fine,” Broad said. “I got a phone call saying, ‘Be lenient, find some time because it’s India.’ So we had to find some time and bring it down below the threshold.”
Chris Broad added that a similar situation occurred in the very next match, involving then-Indian captain Sourav Ganguly. “Exactly the same thing happened. He didn’t listen to any of the hurry-ups, so I phoned and asked, ‘What do you want me to do now?’ and was told, ‘Just do him.’”
He also criticized the ICC’s internal politics, claiming the governing body has become increasingly influenced by India’s financial dominance.
“Once Vince van der Bijl [former ICC umpires manager] left, the management became weaker. India got all the money and has now taken over the ICC. I’m actually glad I’m not part of it anymore — it’s far more political now than it ever was.”
Chris Broad, who served as an ICC match referee from 2003 to early 2024, officiated more than 620 international matches across formats — including 123 Tests, 361 ODIs, and 138 T20Is. Despite his extensive experience, he revealed that his contract was not renewed last year, even though he had expressed willingness to continue.
“I was always someone who believed in right and wrong,” he said. “But in certain parts of the world, it’s a bit like the River Ganges — right and wrong are so far apart, and there’s a lot of dirty water in between. To last 20 years in that politically charged environment was a good effort.”
The ICC has been under fire for its perceived backing of the Indian cricket team in recent years. From boardrooms to match schedules, critics argue that the organization is filled with former BCCI members who allegedly promote biased agendas aimed at creating favorable conditions for India and isolating its challengers. Many in cricketing circles have even begun referring to the ICC as the “Indian Cricket Council.”
Examples cited include favorable match schedules in this year’s ICC Champions Trophy, alleged violations of the ICC’s own constitution during the Asia Cup and being handed hosting duties despite unsafe environments for the players. These incidents have fuelled concerns that the Indian team continues to enjoy undue support from what is supposed to be a neutral governing body.
Chris Broad’s remarks have reignited debate around this growing perception, a topic that continues to divide opinion across the cricketing world.
Stay Connected with ProPakistani
Get the latest sports news, match updates, and player stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
