June 22, 2021
2 mins read

WTC: ICC under fire as rain plays spoilport

Indian skipper Virat Kohli looked angry after play was stopped due to bad light on multiple occasions in the second half of the second day’s play….reports Asian Lite News

The International Cricket Council (ICC) was left red-faced and under fire from former cricketers after the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final fell prey to inclement weather with two of the first four days getting washed out and the other two days not seeing full days’ play due to disruptions from bad light.

With just two days left — including the reserve day on June 23 — a draw looks the best possibility for a result although a flurry of wickets could still see a result in either team’s favour. The rules suggest both teams will be joint winners if the match ends in a draw or a tie. It is something that may not go down well with both teams.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli looked angry after play was stopped due to bad light on multiple occasions in the second half of the second day’s play.

Former England cricketer, Kevin Pietersen tweeted his disappointment saying that the final should have been held in Dubai.

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

“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,” Pietersen added in the tweet.

The ICC, which followed a neutral venue policy, had picked England as the venue for final.



Initially, the plan was to host the final at Lord’s but due to the convenience of having the Hilton Hotel on-site in Southampton’s Hampshire Bowl, suitable for bio-bubble, the match was shifted here.

However, the ICC could not take rain into account.

Former India batsman VVS Laxman too criticised the ICC.

“It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion,” he said.

“With so much time available, I am sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That is something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I am not sure whether the game can finish [on the reserve day] if the rain continues,” he added.

Former New Zealand pace bowler Shane Bond concurred with Laxman.

“I am with VVS, however long it takes, I would like to see 450 overs and one team come out on top,” Bond said.

ALSO READ: Remembering The Flying Sikh

Previous Story

Can crucial J&K meet end the political impasse?

Next Story

The ultimate Test in the ‘cradle of cricket’

Latest from India News

Jaishankar, Lavrov Discuss Pahalgam Terror Attack

Both the Ministers discussed issues of Russian-Indian cooperation and the aggravation of India-Pakistan relations following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar spoke to the Russian Foreign Minister

Rajnath Singh to skip Russia visit

The decision comes amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir…reports Asian Lite News Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will not likely attend Russia’s

WAVES 2025: Jaishankar Advocates Cultural Pluralism

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a powerful address at the WAVES 2025 Global Media Dialogue, highlighting the significance of cultural pluralism in shaping global change. Speaking on the second day of

India Eyes Supply Chain Shift

India’s electronics manufacturing sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, positioning the country as a major global hub for production and supply chain diversification. Riding on favourable government policies, geopolitical tailwinds, and a
Go toTop

Don't Miss

WTC Final: All eyes on Rohit as India take on Australia

Once again, eyes will be on India skipper Rohit Sharma,

WTC: Does Australia hold slight edge over India?

Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram backed Australia as the side