The former match referee Chris Broad has made shocking claims of the Board of Cricket Control in India having immense influence on the International Cricket Council. Even though he didn't particularly name any series or tournament, he hinted at the tenure of Sourav Ganguly in 2005. The refute was mostly regarding fining Ganguly due to a slow over rate. Broad recently had an intense interview session with Telegraph, where he claimed that BCCI repeatedly called him and asked to relax Ganguly. Broad said, as quoted, "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’. So we had to find some time, brought it down below the threshold." Broad added, "So we had to find some time, brought it down below the threshold. The very next game, exactly the same thing happened. He [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.’ Read also: Chris Gayle Named Brand Ambassador for Lanka Premier League 2025 Broad sniffed politics in ICC Chris Broad sensed politics in the arena and felt that everyone knew that. Some dodged it off carefully, while the others were silent. He still accused India of being financially powerful and having effects on the ICC. Notably, the former BCCI Secretary is currently the Chairman of the ICC. Even though he didn't take any name, Broad said, "So there were politics involved, right from the start. A lot of the guys now are either politically more savvy or just keeping the head below the parapet. I don’t know.” He added, "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.” The father of former English Cricketer Stuart Broad, Chris Broad, served as a match referee in 123 Tests, 361 ODIs, and 138 T20Is. However, he was reportedly criticized by the ICC after posting a meme about David Warner during the Ashes series. However, it was never officially stated whether that incident led to his omission. Now aged 67, Broad retired from his duties as a match referee in 2024.