Without India And Pakistan Test Series, The World Test Championship Makes No Sense, Says Rameez Raja  

Former Pakistan captain Rameez Raja has urged arch-rivals India and Pakistan to play one another in the next cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. In the ongoing World Test championship, the two Asian giants didn’t face each other due to tension between the two sides.

In fact, the last time India and Pakistan played Tests was in 2007 and the bilateral series came in 2012-13. India and Pakistan play each other in ICC events and the world cricket body has made sure that these two teams face off on another given the terrific TRP and revenue this clash generates.

It Made No Sense Not Having India And Pakistan Series, Says Rameez Raja

The 58-year-old former cricketer considers that there should be a separate window for WTC in order to entice more sponsorship for the longest format of the game. He also said that without India and Pakistan playing each other, the World Test Championship made no sense.

“The current format was lopsided and prolonged and it made no sense not having India and Pakistan series. Teams didn’t play the same number of matches and even the points system was weird. There should have been a 3-month window and everyone should have played against each other,” said Ramiz on the YouTube channel Cricket Bazz.

“Next time when the WTC is held no cricket should be held at that time, if you want to promote Test cricket and infuse life into it and also attract sponsors to this format. Sponsorship will only come when you will not give sponsors any other option to park their money,” he added.

The current ICC World Test Championship saw Pakistan ending up in the fifth place in the points table with 43.3% points, having 4 Tests, losing 5, and drawing 3. The final of the tournament will be played between no.1 on the WTC table, India, and no. 2 spot holders New Zealand.

The final will be played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton from June 18-22 with 23 being a rest day. India defeated England 3-1 and Australia 2-1 in the recent Test series to qualify for the ICC WTC final, while New Zealand reached the final without playing a single Test outside their country, given that the Championship was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also Read: Aleem Dar Becomes First Umpire To Officiate On-Field In 400 International Matches