Today: 31 May 2025
22 June 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

Beijing employing aggressive propaganda efforts in Africa

Next Story

Raisi demands lifting of all ‘unjust’ US sanctions

Latest from India News

‘Op Sindoor’ Team Wraps Up Saudi Visit

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism….reports Asian Lite News Riyadh, May 30 (IANS) The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant

Accel Puts India’s AI Power in the Spotlight

Under the theme “Engineering India’s AI Advantage,” the exclusive, invite-only event will bring together leading AI founders, researchers, tech CXOs, policymakers, and global investors….reports Asian Lite News Global venture capital firm Accel

Deshpande Set for England

IPL 2025 marked Deshpande’s return, and despite modest returns (9 wickets in 10 games at 10.63 economy), Mumbai bowling consultant Kulkarni backs him to thrive in England with the Dukes ball. There

Saudi backs India’s strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials. A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay

Iran pressed over 3 missing Indians

The embassy stated that it is maintaining close contact with the families and keeping them regularly updated about the steps being taken….reports Asian Lite News The Indian government has urged Iranian authorities
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Team India’s new jersey displayed at Burj Khalifa

The new jersey, unveiled ahead of the men’s T20 World

New Zealand crush India, clinch WTC title

This is an apt redemption for New Zealand, who had