ICC – Compañía de gestión de eventos, la fuerte presencia de la India aumenta la complejidad, dijo Ian Chapley

Australian cricket legend Ian Chappell has launched a strong critique of the International Cricket Council (ICC), describing it as an “event management company” and urging it to focus on its role to “run cricket.” Chappell has called for the introduction of a two-tier Test system and expressed disappointment with the current state of Test cricket around the world.

Chappell on ICC

In his ESPNCricinfo column, Chappell discussed the need to revise the criteria for awarding Test status to countries. He emphasised that the ICC should ensure that a country has a solid first-class structure, proper venues for five-day matches, and financial stability. Chappell raised concerns about whether nations like Afghanistan and Ireland truly meet these criteria. He wrote, “For instance, could Afghanistan hold a Test series in their strife-torn country? Does Ireland have a realistic number of Test-standard grounds? Even setting aside the Taliban’s reprehensible treatment of women, the answer to those questions is: absolutely not. Then why do they have Test status? Because in return for Test status they provide valuable ICC votes on important issues. The ICC is widely regarded as an event management company. They should add ‘and not a very good one.’“

India’s influence in ICC

Chappell supported the idea of a two-tier Test system, as advocated by West Indies great Michael Holding, but pointed out potential financial implications among cricketing nations. He underscored the powerful influence of India within the ICC, remarking, “India’s powerful presence in the ICC is in direct proportion to their contribution of around 70% of cricket’s income. It’s a complex issue to which cricket hasn’t found a workable solution.”

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Concerns over T20 cricket

The former Australian captain expressed his annoyance with how T20 cricket has become more influential, stating, “Running a successful T20 competition improves the financial capacity of a cricket body. This, along with running a successful T20 competition being vastly more acceptable than losing money on a first-class schedule, dominates the thinking of most cricket administrators. Cricket being run by a competent ICC is a pipe dream. Hence the growing T20 calendar and the current scheduling schemozzle that plagues the game.”

Impact on Test cricket

Chappell observed that the popularity of T20 cricket is affecting Test formats, with a growing focus on aggressive batting. He noted an increase in Test match outcomes and improved pitch conditions, which highlight the critical role of bowlers in making the game engaging. In conclusion, Chappell remarked, “There’s been a large increase in Test match results and more acceptable pitches, highlighting the importance of bowlers in producing a good spectacle. There’s also greater emphasis on playing entertaining cricket. Despite facing various challenges, Test cricket does a creditable job of keeping the format relevant.”