Aakash Chopra Criticizes ICC For Not Addressing The Issues Related To WTC Format

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for not addressing the issues related to the format of the World Test Championship (WTC).

The ICC, on Tuesday, announced the list of the global events which are set to take place during the 2024-31 cycle.

The cycle is set to feature as many as four World Test Championship finals every alternative year between 2025-2031.

Speaking on his official Youtube channel, Aakash Chopra reckoned that the ICC has not attempted to address the issues in the format that has come under criticism from pundits as well as fans.

Two of the most common issues with critics as far as WTC is concerned is that each team does not play against all the other member nations during the two-year cycle and the allocation of total points is the same irrespective of the length of the series.

“The World Test Championship will continue in the same shape and form. Every second year you will get a World Test champion. It seemed like it was a failed format, that it was not going good but ICC has decided that they will, continue the same way,” said Aakash Chopra.

“For now it is being said that the same number of teams will play and the same number of series, six series in all – three home and three away. So, probably an attempt has not been made to rectify the flaws,” added Aakash Chopra.

The former opener further stated that he doubts that all the six series that each team will play will have the same number of matches.

He claimed that the likes of India, Australia, and England will continue to play 4-5 match series with each other while teams like Bangladesh, New Zealand, West Indies will continue to feature in two-match rubbers.

“Will the six series have at least the same number of matches, I still doubt it. Because the Ashes will be five matches, India-Australia will be four matches and India-England will be five matches,” said Chopra.

Aakash Chopra concluded by saying that critics will continue to pose questions at the format until the issues surrounding it are addressed by the governing body.

”Then India-Bangladesh and India-West Indies will remain two matches. New Zealand will again play two-match series and then we will cry that what you are doing, this is not fair. You have given the same number of points for home and away wins and you are playing only six series where all teams have not played against each other,” signed off Aakash Chopra.

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