ICC WTC Final Should Not Have Been Played in The UK: Kevin Pietersen

The fourth day in the ICC WTC final has been abandoned due to rain. This was the second day in the final when no play was possible due to consistent rain. Two more days are left in the final(Including a reserve Day) to be played and former England skipper Kevin Pietersen has hinted saying that the ICC World Test Championship final should not have been scheduled in the UK. 

The International Cricket Council had a lot of time in their hands to decide the venue for the WTC final. Initially, they announced that the final would be played at Lord’s. Latter the venue was shifted to the Rose Bowl in Southampton due to logistical reasons which was confirmed by BCCI President Sourav Ganguly. 

WTC Final Should Not Have Been Played In The UK: Kevin Pietersen

Meanwhile, Kevin Pietersen put out his disappointment over the situation through a tweet. He said how the conditions were not ideal for a final of such magnitude. 

“It pains me to say it, but a ONE OFF & incredibly important cricket game should NOT be played in the UK,” he tweeted.

It pains me to say it, but a ONE OFF & incredibly important cricket game should NOT be played in the UK.

— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) June 21, 2021

Meanwhile, the officials had to call off the day with a heavy heart. The BCCI in its official Twitter handle announced the same. 

“Update: Play on Day 4 abandoned due to rain. We thank our fans who turned up and kept the tempo high. See you again, tomorrow. #TeamIndia #WTC21 ” wrote the BCCI Twitter handle.

Update: Play on Day 4 abandoned due to rain. We thank our fans who turned up and kept the tempo high. See you again, tomorrow.? #TeamIndia #WTC21 pic.twitter.com/0OpqZ0hGd5

— BCCI (@BCCI) June 21, 2021

As far as the game situation is concerned, New Zealand are 101/2 after the third day’s play in response to India’s first innings score of 217. Kyle Jamieson took 5/31 which was his fifth fifer in just his eighth Test match. Meanwhile, a good start by the Kiwi openers meant that the Indian bowlers were made to work hard on day 3. Devon Conway’s wicket in the fag end of the day brought India back into the game. 

Meanwhile, another rained-out day meant chances of a result in the game have lessened even more. Former cricketers and fans are criticising ICC’s decision to stage the WTC final in the UK despite knowing about the uneven weather conditions in the English summer.

Also Read: ICC WTC Final 2021: Day 04 Abandoned Due To Persistent Rain In Southampton