Former English cricketer and commentator David Lloyd has called on the ICC to stop pre-scheduling matches between India and Pakistan in major tournaments. Lloyd argues that these fixtures, which have taken place in every ICC event since 2013, undermine the sport’s integrity.
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David Lloyd suggests ideas for ICC Amid T20 World Cup
His remarks were made during a TalkSPORT discussion about issues at the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup.
Lloyd claims that pre-arranging these matches is akin to “fixing fixtures,” manipulating outcomes for commercial gain and affecting the competition’s fairness and quality.
“Not in the slightest,” Lloyd responded when asked if eliminating pre-scheduled India-Pakistan matches would be a loss. “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. And that’s only part of what we fix. We fix loads of stuff. In this particular World Cup, you’re just trying to manipulate. It’s just wrong.”
He also criticized the 2024 T20 World Cup’s schedule, particularly the lack of rest days for teams during the Super 8s stage. He noted that the tight schedule has negatively impacted teams’ performance and preparation time.
“It just isn’t fair (to the teams),” Lloyd noted. “We’re just manipulating the tournament for the benefit of a few. If you look at the TV audience in India, they would watch anything there and anytime. It is a religion. It is the be-all and end-all. They would watch it and so it must have some commercial value, that overrides the competition itself.”
Another issue Lloyd highlighted was the inconsistency in semi-final rules, pointing out that the India vs. England semi-final had no reserve day, whereas the South Africa vs. Afghanistan match did.
Lloyd’s criticisms and suggested reforms are part of a broader call for fairness and integrity in organizing international cricket tournaments. His comments aim to maintain the competitive spirit of cricket for all teams and fans.
Also Read: T20 World Cup: What Will Happen If South Africa vs Afghanistan Semi-Final Gets Washed Out?
