Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has taken a dig at West Indies legendary pacer Andy Roberts, who claimed the ICC prioritizes India’s interests over others. Danish Kaneria questioned why concerns about India’s schedule at a single venue in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 were not raised earlier.
The ICC had approved a hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025 after the BCCI refused to send the team to the host nation Pakistan. Notably, the Rohit Sharma-led team played all their matches, including the knockouts, in Dubai. However, this decision faced widespread criticism from cricket fans and former players.
Team India Unbeaten in ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Critics claimed that India benefited from an unfair advantage in the Champions Trophy, as they played all their matches in familiar conditions without needing to travel. However, India head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma stated that their team, like others, had to adapt to the conditions.
India remained unbeaten throughout the Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue topped the group stage with three consecutive wins. They went on to defeat Australia in the semifinals and New Zealand in the final at the Dubai International Stadium. The team has piled up a generational run in the tournament.
The ICC Stands for the Indian Cricket Board – Andy Roberts
The ICC approved the hybrid model for the event in December 2024. While it did not receive unanimous support at the time, there was no significant backlash. However, as India continued to win matches, allegations of an “unfair advantage” grew louder, peaking when they secured a spot in the final.
Andy Roberts raised concerns over India’s growing influence on the ICC and added that the governing body is unable to oppose India’s decisions.
“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 told Mid-Day.
Not Sure What the Issue Is – Danish Kaneria
Responding to Andy Roberts’ criticism, Danish Kaneria pointed out that semifinal venues are decided well in advance. Danish Kaneria also questioned Pakistan’s recent losses as well as the West Indies’ failure to qualify for ICC tournaments.
“Semifinal venues are announced well before the tournament begins, so not sure what the issue is. The Champions Trophy was different, hosted by Pakistan, with India playing in Dubai. No one raised concerns about India beforehand,” Danish Kaneria wrote.
“Why did Pakistan lose to the USA and get eliminated? Why did Pakistan lose to NZ on home ground? Why doesn’t the West Indies qualify for ICC tournaments?” he added.
Semifinal venues are announced well before the tournament begins, so not sure what the issue is. The Champions Trophy was different, hosted by Pakistan, with India playing in Dubai. No one raised concerns about India beforehand.
Why did Pakistan lose to the USA and get… https://t.co/HKLmNK6U7r
— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) March 13, 2025
Pakistan had a disappointing campaign in the Champions Trophy. They suffered heavy defeats to New Zealand and India in their first two matches. The team were eliminated from semifinal contention just four days into the tournament.
This was Pakistan’s third consecutive first-round exit in an ICC event, with their last semifinal appearance dating back to the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. The Men in Green failed to progress past the group stage in the 2024 T20 World Cup after losses to the USA and India.
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