WTC final: ICC slammed for choice of venue

Southampton, June 22: With the significant World Test Championship final getting abandoned for a various reasons especially due to rain here in England, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is getting slammed by former players as well as the fans.

 

Every cricket enthusiast was eager to watch the two incredible teams - India and New Zealand - locking horns against each other in the WTC final. However, continuous interventions like rain and bad light have spoiled the game that took place since June 18. This came after rain washed out an entire day’s play for the second time in the WTC final on Monday, diminishing hopes of a result.

 

 

It should be noted that only 141.1 overs have been bowled in the entire match so far. The weather forecast have predicted that the conditions will get better for the next two days, former players have heavily criticized the ICC for the choice of venue. Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen tweeted, “It pains me to say it, but a ONE-OFF & incredibly important cricket game should NOT be played in the UK.”

 

 

 

He also suggested that Dubai would have been a better choice to host the ICC event that is being played for a span of two years and a half. He said, "If it was up to me, Dubai would always host a one off match like this WTC game. Neutral venue, fabulous stadium, guaranteed weather, excellent training facilities and a travel hub! Oh, and ICC home is next to the stadium."

 

 

Taking a dig at the ICC, former Indian batsman said, "Batsman ko bhi Timing nahi mili dhang ki, aur ICC ko bhi."

 

 

"It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion. With so much time available, I’m sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That’s something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I’m not sure whether the game can finish (even with the reserve day) if the rain continues," former Indian batsman VVS Laxman said on Star Sports.

 

 

Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond gave out similar statements. "Both teams wanna play to win. The other thing is that the pitch is offering so much to the bowlers that even if you have three-four days of play, we could find a result. If the weather delays go on for long, sometimes it means only one team can win if New Zealand bat well after the rain finishes, it puts them in the best position but I’m with VVS, however long it takes, I’d like to see 450 overs and one team come out on top," he said.