Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has suggested five changes to World Test Championship after the two-match Tst series between India and Sri Lanka. Chopra believes the introduction of WTC has added more context to the red-ball version of the game but reckons these five changes will make it more interesting.
The former Delhi cricketer suggested that the 12 teams should be divided into two tiers, along with promotion and relegation. Currently, nine teams are taking part in the ongoing WTC and the top two teams, with the highest PCT, qualifies for the final.
“A two-tier Test system. We manage with only nine Test-playing nations, although there are 12. So include everyone and make two tiers with the 12 teams. Promotion and relegation – make it a real consequence. Maybe have seven teams in the top tier so that you can have six series. The team in seventh place should get relegated. The top team in the second group should get promoted,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
Chopra said there should be three matches in every series and every team should play the equal number of games.
“Every series should consist of at least three matches. That suggestion is being accepted. There is no logic in having two-match series. Ideally, every team should play an equal number of matches. One team says they would play 21 matches, and the other team says they are happy with 14. What’s the logic behind that?” he observed.
The renowned commentator said the game should be extended to the sixth day if prescribed overs are not completed in the first five days.
“Why don’t we set a minimum number of overs? There is no problem if the result comes before that, but since there is a three-times difference in the points between a draw and a win, if you are going to lose overs, get into the sixth day. If this format is so close to your heart, give it the respect it deserves. Why is it shortchanged?” Chopra elaborated.
Chopra suggested that the game should be either played with the pink ball or not played with the pink ball at all.
“Either play with the pink ball or don’t. If pink-ball Tests are played, every series should have one. Every team should play against each other. There shouldn’t be any exception to that because this is an ICC tournament and not a bilateral engagement,” he said.
The former KKR batter added that the final should be a three-match series between the finalists and shouldn’t always be played in England.
“Make the WTC final a three-match series. You make it one match, and at a neutral venue, which suits some countries. Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa will like it, but we won’t. Why would we like it? They are difficult conditions for us. I haven’t taken England’s name because they don’t reach there in any case,” Chopra observed.
