• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 06/26/2024
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Despite not playing each other in a bilateral series since 2013, India and Pakistan have consistently faced off in every ICC event over the past decade. Starting with the 2013 Champions Trophy, the two teams have clashed in all editions of the 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy. While fans highly anticipate these matches, former English cricketer David Lloyd believes that pre-scheduling such fixtures is a form of ‘fixing’ that manipulates the audience.

David Lloyd’s Criticism

In a discussion on TalkSPORT, Lloyd, affectionately known as ‘Bumble’, expressed his disapproval of the ICC’s approach to scheduling India vs Pakistan matches. He argued that these fixtures should not be pre-arranged, as it undermines the integrity of the competition.

“Not in the slightest,” Lloyd responded when asked if pre-scheduling these matches could be justified. “We talk long and hard about fixing in cricket. That’s fixed. It’s just fixed for a major event. The game itself is an event. You can’t fix it.”

Lloyd emphasized that the romance and excitement of an India vs Pakistan match should come from the natural draw, not from pre-determined groupings designed to ensure the clash happens.

The scheduling and format of the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup have been heavily criticized, particularly during the Super 8 stage. Teams have had minimal rest, with some, like Australia, having no breaks between matches. This tight schedule has left little time for practice, affecting the players’ performance and preparation.

Inconsistent Semi-Final Rules

Another point of contention has been the differing rules for the two semi-finals. The India vs England semi-final does not have a reserve day, while the South Africa vs Afghanistan match does. This inconsistency has raised questions about fairness and favouritism towards certain teams.

India has not played a single day-night game in the tournament, ostensibly to cater to the prime-time viewing preferences of the Indian audience. Lloyd criticized this approach, suggesting that it manipulates the tournament for commercial gain at the expense of fair competition.

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“It just isn’t fair to the teams,” Lloyd stated. “We’re just manipulating the tournament for the benefit of a few. The TV audience in India would watch anything at any time. It is a religion. It is the be all and end all. And don’t tell me the ICC devises it. Whoever it is, this operating group must be told that this must happen, that must happen, and that it’s a bit unfair to the teams.”

Lloyd’s comments reflect a broader concern about the commercialization and manipulation of cricket tournaments. He called for the ICC and its operating groups to prioritize the integrity of the competition and fairness for all teams.

“Come up with the best World Cup you can for the supporter,” Lloyd urged. “Stop manipulating the tournament for commercial interests.”