“India Runs ICC Now”: Chris Broad Slams Politics and Bias in Cricket’s Governing Body

Former England cricketer Chris Broad has claimed that India has too much control over the International Cricket Council (ICC). In a strong statement to The Telegraph, Broad said that during his time as a match referee, he was told by people in charge to make special allowances for India. Broad, one of the most respected officials in the game, stepped away from his position in 2024.

Broad back then had alleged that the ICC denied him an opportunity to continue. In his latest interview, Broad has alleged that he was once asked not to hand India an over-rate fine despite the team bowling 3–4 overs behind the stipulated time.

Chris Broad accuses ICC of favouritism towards India and political interference

“I think we were supported by Vince van der Bijl (ICC umpires manager) while he was in position because he came from a cricketing background, but once he left, the management became a lot weaker. India got all the money and have now taken over the ICC 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 said.

Stuart Broad’s father, Chris Broad, was reportedly pulled up by the ICC in 2023 after he posted a meme about David Warner during the Ashes. However, it was never confirmed whether that incident was the main reason the ICC decided not to extend his contract. In his interview, Broad said there was too much politics within the ICC and that he was relieved to no longer be part of it.

"India were three, four overs down at the end of a game so it constituted a fine. I got a phone call saying, ‘be lenient, find some time because it’s India’. And it’s like, right, OK. So we had to find some time, brought it down below the threshold. The very next game, exactly the same thing happened. He [Sourav Ganguly] didn’t listen to any of the hurry-ups, and so I phoned and said, ‘what do you want me to do now?’ and I was told, ‘just do him,’" he added.

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