The World Test Championship (WTC) final is just around the corner and the excitement among cricket fans is at an all-time high. However, there has been a recent development that has caught everyone’s attention. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah has claimed to have spoken to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about changing the venue for the WTC final after three consecutive finals being held in England. This news has sparked a lot of speculation and discussions among the cricket fraternity.
The WTC final, which is scheduled to be played between India and New Zealand from June 18 to 22, was originally supposed to be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the strict quarantine protocols in place, the BCCI has expressed their concerns about playing the final in England. In an effort to ensure the safety and well-being of the players, the BCCI has reached out to the ICC to consider changing the venue for the much-awaited final.
Speaking to the media, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said, “We have spoken to the ICC and expressed our concerns about playing the WTC final in England. We have seen how the recent India-England series was affected due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and we don’t want to take any chances with the WTC final. We have requested the ICC to consider changing the venue and we are hopeful of a positive response.”
This statement from the BCCI has raised a lot of eyebrows and has led to speculations about a possible change in venue for the WTC final. While the ICC is yet to make an official announcement, the BCCI’s concerns are certainly valid and need to be taken into consideration. With the pandemic still raging on, the safety of the players and everyone involved should be the top priority.
Moreover, the fact that the WTC final will be played in front of empty stands is another factor that has led to the BCCI’s request for a change in venue. The Indian cricket team has a huge fan base and playing the final in a country where they have a strong support system would certainly boost their morale. It is also worth noting that India has not played a single Test match in England since the 2018 tour, which could put them at a disadvantage.
On the other hand, New Zealand has been playing Test cricket in England since early June and are well-acclimatized to the conditions. This could give them an edge over India in the final. However, the BCCI’s request for a change in venue is not just about gaining an advantage, but also about ensuring the safety and well-being of the players.
If the ICC does consider changing the venue for the WTC final, there are a few options that could be explored. One of the possibilities is to host the final in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has successfully hosted the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other international cricket matches in a bio-secure bubble. The UAE has the necessary infrastructure and facilities to host a high-profile event like the WTC final.
Another option could be to host the final in India itself. The country has been hit hard by the pandemic, but with the vaccination drive in full swing, there is a possibility of hosting the final in a bio-secure bubble. India has successfully hosted the IPL and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in a bio-secure environment and could do the same for the WTC final.
While the BCCI’s request for a change in venue is understandable, it is also important to consider the ICC’s perspective. The decision to change the venue for such a high-profile event cannot be taken lightly and the ICC will have to take into account various factors before making a decision. However, with the safety of the players being the top priority, it is likely that the ICC will consider the BCCI’s request and come up with a solution that is in the best interest of everyone involved.
In conclusion, the BCCI’s request to change the venue for the WTC final is a valid one and needs to be taken seriously. With the pandemic still posing a threat, it is important to ensure the safety and well-being of the players. While the final decision rests with the ICC, it is important to find a solution that is fair and just for both teams. The WTC final is a highly anticipated event and it is important to make sure that it is played
