Rob Cross has launched a blistering attack on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), accusing organisers of giving teenage sensation Luke Littler preferential treatment that undermines the sport’s integrity.
Speaking exclusively to The Oche, the 2018 World Champion did not hold back, claiming the 19-year-old “gets away with murder” on and off the oche.
“I’m sick of it,” Cross said, his voice trembling with frustration. “We all earn our stripes. We all wait in the queue. But for ‘The Nuke,’ the rules seem to bend. It’s like watching a different sport.”
Cross’s ire appears focused on two key areas. Firstly, scheduling. He claims Littler is consistently placed in prime TV slots to maximise ratings, while veteran players are shunted to secondary boards. “They’d move the World Final to his lunchtime if he asked,” Cross scoffed.
Secondly, and more controversially, Cross alleges Littler receives leniency on stage conduct—specifically regarding time allowances for throws and walk-on music delays. “I got fined £500 last year for being 15 seconds late to the stage. He takes a selfie with a fan mid-match, and the ref just smiles,” Cross added.
Littler, who has taken the sport by storm with back-to-back Premier League wins and a World Championship final appearance, has declined to respond directly. However, his manager told reporters: “Luke follows every rule to the letter. Any suggestion otherwise is sour grapes from a player who can’t handle the new guard.”
PDC Chairman Barry Hearn has dismissed Cross’s claims as “nonsense,” stating: “Luke Littler is a global phenomenon. He brings millions of new eyes to darts. That’s not special treatment—that’s smart business. Rob knows the rules; he just doesn’t like the spotlight moving.”
Fans on social media are split. Some back Cross as a “voice for the old school,” while others label him a “jealous has-been.”
Cross, however, is unrepentant. “I don’t care if he’s the next Phil Taylor,” he concluded. “Darts is about respect. Right now, that respect is being thrown in the bin for a kid with a big score and a bigger hype machine.”
The PDC has confirmed it will review Cross’s comments for potential disciplinary action, but no formal complaint has been lodged—yet.