Drastic move to keep Test cricket alive

Drastic move to keep Test cricket alive

Removing pointless 50-over internationals from jam-packed schedules is one of the best ways to safeguard the way forward for Test cricket in accordance with the MCC‘s World Cricket Committee, which has called for a game wide “reset” of priorities.

The 13-member committee, which includes former Australian coach Justin Langer and is led by former England captain Mike Gatting, met during the recent Ashes Test at Lord’s and determined that in a world of rising franchise T20 tournaments, ODI cricket must be diminished after the 2027 World Cup.

In an effort to get extra international locations taking part in and internet hosting Test cricket, which might be financially crippling for some, Gatting and the committee concluded that eradicating bilateral ODIs would “also create much-needed space in the global cricketing calendar”.

“In many ways, cricket is growing and, on the surface, seems financially strong. However, we are increasingly seeing a game which focuses on a powerful few, as opposed to a democratic and inclusive approach for the benefit of the whole sport,” Gatting mentioned.

“It‘s time for the global game to reset. Too often, member nations are finding themselves living hand to mouth with their cricketing operations versus having a long-term, viable strategy in place that future-proofs the game in their country, both financially and in terms of participation.

“We are currently at the commencement of a new ICC Future Tours Program and financing cycle, and we would recommend further evidence of the requisite funding being directly apportioned to the strategic needs of cricket.”

The schedule for international ODIs between 2023-27 is more or less set and unlikely to change.

But the emergence of T20 leagues across 12 months of the year, and the players’ desire to function in them for rising contracts, has put the way forward for the 50-over sport beneath a cloud.

The committee additionally really helpful the International Cricket Council undertakes a monetary audit to determine the nations which are in want of help to play extra Test cricket.

Originally printed as MCC desires much less 50-over internationals on cricket calendar

Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au