Respecting our players as ASSETS - 2nd test between South Africa and Pakistan

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This scoreline doesn't show what actually happened during the day.

The second and final Test between South Africa and Pakistan at Cape Town began with Pakistan's bowling attack being thoroughly exposed—exactly as I had anticipated. Facing a world-class side like South Africa on their home turf, it was unrealistic to expect them to crumble easily, especially after the humiliation of a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series. The hosts were never going to make themselves easy prey, and Pakistan's lackluster performance on the first day only confirmed this reality.

This outcome wasn't surprising but rather a consequence of predictable errors we've seen repeatedly since the England series. The management’s failure to address persistent tactical flaws, over-relying on a limited set of bowlers while failing to adapt strategies, is glaring. Pakistan’s approach lacked both depth and adaptability, raising serious questions about decision-making from the backend.

It’s disheartening to witness our bowlers, especially someone as talented as Mohammad Abbas, being overworked and exposed without proper rotation or tactical adjustments. South Africa’s counterattack was inevitable, and the failure to prepare for it reflects poor planning, not just on the field but in the dressing room strategies as well.

The writing was on the wall—Pakistan’s bowling limitations have been evident for a while. If the management continues to recycle the same mistakes without accountability, how can we expect different results? Cricket is not just about talent on the field; it's about smart leadership, calculated planning, and the courage to break patterns that aren't working. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s current management seems far from embracing that mindset.

Currently 

300+ score with only lost of 5 wickets, South Africa showing its power on home soil, for which I personally feel, it is going to be a whitewash for Pakistan.

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South Africa v Pakistan - Centurion test - Pakistan on brink of a lost

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Time is not constraint here, instead Pakistan could only win when they take wickets, otherwise game is easily on South Africa's grasp, furthermore Proteas are definitely on the verge of avenging their lost in the ODI series.

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England in Pakistan | Expecting another whitewash

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England's tours to Pakistan used to be as frequent as the rare rain showers in Karachi. They'd come by

Management illiteracy when it comes to creation 
more international standard venues all across the 
country instead of playing within 3 to 4 hand-
picked cricketing venues

occasionally but rarely brought the downpour we expected. After the famous win in Karachi in 2000, where we were down and out for the first time in Karachi, which was supposed to be Pakistan's fortress till then, England toured again in 2005. Still, it was comprehensively beaten by the brilliance of Shoaib Akhtar. However, a long drought followed, and it wasn't until 2022 that England returned to Pakistan, winning comprehensively and avenging the famous Misbah-ul-Haq-led UAE whitewash.

This time, we might face a similar fate. We've just been beaten by Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, and with an untested English bowling lineup, there's a possibility they'll bring an "out of syllabus" challenge for our batsmen. We lack the surprise element in our bowling and batting, making another whitewash against Pakistan a strong possibility.

Unavailability of venues

Pakistan finds itself once again resorting to last-minute fixes for our cricket venues. It’s a predictable scenario, especially when we’ve known since 2023 that we’d be hosting the daunting 2025 Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams, on our own soil. Instead of proactive preparation, we waited until the completion of the World T20 event in the West Indies and USA to start making adjustments. Had we begun this process in 2022 or early 2023, we could have unveiled new and improved venues like Peshawar's Arbab Niaz Stadium and Karachi's Rafi Cricket Stadium. Additionally, with minor upgrades, we could have incorporated new venues in Multan, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur.

I believe that diversifying the venues for cricket matches is crucial for the growth of our sport. This

Due to political differences, we have intentionally
left several under-processed venues untouched

season has been intense, with our home grounds frequently occupied, highlighting the need for better preparation to host multiple international matches. We should consider expanding beyond our reliance on the same four venues: Karachi in the south, Multan in the centre, and Lahore and Rawalpindi in the north. This predictable pattern makes it easy for touring teams to adapt and it's time to change that. It's important to note that all Pakistani games were being played on the Eastern Side of the country, neglecting the Western Side. We should take the initiative to establish new venues, such as Khuzdar, Gwadar, Quetta, and Peshawar, and consider upgrading other cities like Hyderabad Sindh, Mirpurkhas, and Sukkur to international standards. By taking these steps, we can promote inclusivity and create more opportunities for cricket across the country.

For cities as large as Lahore and Karachi, having only one international venue each is simply inadequate. Countries with packed home series typically use a matrix-based approach to allocate venues, ensuring a more balanced and challenging environment for visiting teams. Our failure to do so reflects poorly on our planning and foresight, and it’s something I’ve been critical of for a long time. We need to expand and upgrade our venues if we want to host international cricket successfully and provide our teams with a home advantage. Pakistan finds itself once again resorting to last-minute fixes for our cricket venues. It’s a predictable scenario, especially when we’ve known since 2023 that we’d be hosting the daunting 2025 Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams, on our own soil. Instead of proactive preparation, we waited until the completion of the World T20 event in the West Indies and USA to start making adjustments. 

I have consistently pointed out that the overuse of a limited number of venues is detrimental to our cricket. This season has been particularly intense, with our home grounds frequently occupied, yet we failed to prepare adequately for the challenge of hosting multiple international matches. We continue to rely on the same four venues: Karachi in the south, Multan in the centre, and Lahore and Rawalpindi in the north. This predictable pattern makes it easy for touring teams to adapt, as they know exactly which venues they will be playing at.

For cities as large as Lahore and Karachi, having only one international venue each is simply inadequate. Countries with packed home series typically use a matrix-based approach to allocate venues, ensuring a more balanced and challenging environment for visiting teams. Our failure to do so reflects poorly on our planning and foresight, and it’s something I’ve been critical of for a long time. We need to expand and upgrade our venues if we want to host international cricket successfully and provide our teams with a home advantage.

It's baffling that while Karachi and Lahore have seen significant upgrades, the Rawalpindi cricket stadium, a candidate for the third test, has been left idle. Construction work will only resume after the third test, although the required work is less extensive than in Karachi and Lahore. It's perplexing why the renovation, upgrades, and new venues are being delayed until 2024 when they could have been initiated in 2022. This delay seems unnecessary and ill-timed.

Coming up next on Pakistani Soil

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, creating good
optics for UAE on the global stage

After England's tour, Pakistan will host the West Indies, followed by a tri-nation series with New Zealand and South Africa. However, this series holds little significance, as it will conclude within four or five days, just before the Champions Trophy warm-ups begin. This chaotic scheduling and inadequate preparation make a mockery of Pakistan on a global stage.

Whereas when it comes to away tours, Pakistan would be travelling Downunder in Australia, to play a white ball cricket series, for which Pakistan still in chaos since Babar Azam who was skipper of ODI cricket, has just resgned, hence right now the PCB camp is on whiteball choas, since there have been something fishy going on while creating good optics, otherwise your reputation is always at stakes, therefore I am not expecting something good from the tour to Australia, afterwards I am also not expecting good from Pakistan's tour to Zimbabwe, as remember rhis is the same Zimbabwe who defeated us during 2022 ICC World T20 event, although this time Pakistan's tour is going to be Bulawayo centric instead of previously Harare only, as Zimbabwe's economic situation doesn't allow them to create new venues, but as I have been advocate for Pakistani new cricketing venues, I wished, the same might happen for a talented team like Zimbabwe. Afterwards Pakistan would be celebrating New Years' eve in South Africa for a complete all in one series which comprises of T20I series, ODI series and Test Match series, although this series also exhibits a reality that it is not intention of PCB to play longer format, as 2 test match series, 3 ODI matches series clearly exhibits lack of intent, because bilateral series is always decided by both host and touring countries and at that time tournament sponsors are also decided accordingly.

We’ve exposed ourselves by starting venue upgrades at the last minute. A critical comparison with India’s approach reveals our shortcomings. While India was hosting Bangladesh—a team that recently defeated Pakistan in their own backyard—in a test match at Chennai, their venues showed continuous improvement over time. Even during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, every Indian venue was top-notch, with the Pune stadium boasting multi-tier stands reminiscent of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This commitment to maintaining and upgrading venues not only enhances the viewing experience but also creates positive optics for the country.

In stark contrast, our venues remain in deplorable condition in 2024, facing basic issues like poor viewing experiences and inadequate facilities. The broadcasting quality, a top priority, lags behind, and our venues lack built-in electronic advertisement boundary wall facilities. Unlike other cricketing nations such as England, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, which provide enjoyable cricket viewing experiences supported by relevant statistics and documentaries, PCB management falls short. None of our cricket grounds have digital screens; even the grounds with modern LED screens, like Hayatabad Stadium and Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, have seen work halted due to political reasons. This situation reflects the deeply entrenched politics in our cricket administration, overshadowing the sport itself.

This lack of foresight and investment in infrastructure not only hampers our ability to host international

Pune Cricket Stadium in Maharashtra

 events but also damages our reputation. We need to move beyond playing politics and focus on the tangible actions required to uplift our cricketing standards. This includes regular venue upgrades, better facilities, and a commitment to providing a world-class experience for both players and spectators. Only then can we hope to reclaim our standing on the global cricket stage!

Major bone of contention for Pakistan

After the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, there will be no ICC, ACC, or other multinational tournaments held on Pakistani soil until 2027. This oversight reflects a significant failure in representing the country on a global level. Our lack of investment in tourism, including sports tourism, has left us at ground zero, missing crucial opportunities for development. This situation underscores the need for intelligent individuals, like the current GM of the ICC, who could have made a substantial difference had we respected and utilized their expertise while they were in Pakistan. The fact that such a key figure now oversees international cricket instead of contributing to our national progress exemplifies the deep-seated issues within Pakistan and its cricketing administration.

Critical Analysis:

The statement accurately highlights several critical points regarding Pakistan's cricketing and tourism sectors. 

Lack of strategic planning

1. Lack of Major Tournaments: The absence of international tournaments on Pakistani soil until 2027
indicates a gap in strategic planning and international outreach. This situation not only affects the country's representation in the global cricketing community but also hampers potential economic benefits derived from hosting such events.

2. Neglect of Tourism: The analysis points out a broader issue of underinvestment in tourism, specifically sports tourism. Hosting international events can significantly boost a country’s tourism sector, leading to increased international exposure and economic benefits. Pakistan's failure to capitalize on this opportunity reflects a shortfall in forward-thinking and strategic development.

3. Missed Opportunities: The mention of the current GM of ICC, a capable individual who could have contributed to Pakistan's cricket, underscores a recurring issue where talent and expertise are not recognized or utilized effectively within the country. This brain drain results in skilled professionals taking their talents elsewhere, to the detriment of national development.

Lacking sporting tourism

4. Dilemma of Pakistan Cricket: The overarching theme points to systemic issues within Pakistan’s cricket administration, highlighting a lack of respect and support for individuals who could drive progress. This negligence results in lost opportunities and stagnation in the sport’s development on a national level.

The statement calls for a critical reassessment of Pakistan’s approach to international sports representation and tourism investment, urging the need to recognize and utilize local talent effectively to avoid further missed opportunities.

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After laying eggs in Ireland, World T20I event, losing home-series against Bangladesh Cricket - I am thinking for quitting writing for Pakistan Cricket

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At this moment, as I pen these words, my disposition is such that I am disinclined to extol Pakistan cricket. This sentiment stems from my observations that when foreign curators are involved, they tend to prepare pitches that offer equal support to both teams. I have repeatedly emphasized the importance of adapting to conditions rather than lauding players for attributes they may not possess.

What do I mean by that?

Adapting to various options and scenarios is a theme I've often discussed in my blog posts. As a Pakistani, I've observed certain patterns, particularly when I began writing about Pakistan cricket during the defense of their World T20I championship in the Caribbean Islands. I recall the match against New Zealand, which Pakistan lost, and even then, I noticed small fissures. Despite this, as a patriotic Pakistani and cricket fan, I defended the team. I remember dancing to Call the band's "Badal Do Zamana" during that period. However, those minor cracks, which I once overlooked, have now become evident and are eroding at a fundamental level. Rather than addressing these issues, there has been a shift away from continuity and consistency. This is mirrored in the personal challenges I face within my family, where respect for the individual is often sacrificed for the pursuit of power. Power should come with an equal measure of responsibility, yet there seems to be a hunger for power without the accompanying sense of duty. This lack of accountability is not just a problem at the top; it has permeated down to the individual level. Society seeks validation without considering the examples they set for others to emulate.

Shameless Society, Shameless Cricket Board, and Shameless Cricket itself

Our society often exhibits a narcissistic mindset, showing little concern for the impact of their actions on their own offspring, seeking instead to establish a legacy for themselves. Similarly, as the offspring grow, they tend to settle old scores, perpetuating the cycle on a micro level. This pattern is mirrored in our corporate structures, including organizations like cricket boards and others.

Accountability matters

There is a significant difference between Accountability and Subjective Accountability. Islam promotes the concept of Accountability, while it disapproves of Subjective Accountability. However, due to societal hypocrisy, these distinctions often seem inconsequential.

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A strong Pakistani comeback into Dhaka Test

SITUATION AT STUMPS - DAY 4

Bangladesh 76 for 7 (Sajid 6-35) 

Pakistan 300-4 (Babar 76, Azhar 56, Taijul 2-73)

trail by 224 runs 

I do not want myself to be seen anything like Athar Ali Khan, but today's performance of Pakistan team needs appreciation, because today's performance both with bat and ball made sure that Pakistan has slight chance of winning the second test while still a 55% chances of Bangladesh saving the match, which is also mentioned on Cricinfo but now time is the constraint as four sessions remain before Pakistan would be packing their bags for Pakistan, to play against Windies at Karachi.

Mystery Bowler in Sajid Khan

Newbie in Sajid Khan made sure that Bangladesh
would be fighting to avoid following on

Pakistan got busy as soon as play commenced at 10:50am. They first declaring on 300 for four, with half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Fawad Alam. Then, despite being hamstrung by the umpires' diktat that play wouldn't continue if they operate with fast bowlers, Pakistan made inroads with spin.

On Tuesday, play was called off at 4.30pm, an hour before scheduled close. Conditions continued to remain murky all day. Yet, it was better than on the three previous days where heavy rain allowed just 63.2 overs to be bowled in the Test.

Sajid Khan's maiden six-wicket haul left Bangladesh in danger of being made to follow-on with one day of the Dhaka Test to go. It remains to be seen if the weather will halt Pakistan's push for full WTC points, though.

Debutant Mahmudul Hasan Joy tried to charge off spinner Sajid, only managing to edge to slip. Then, Hasan Ali made his presence felt at point, first with a simple catch to dismiss Shadman Islam before running out Mominul Haque with a direct hit.

Mushfiqur Rahim was the next to go, one ball after surviving a close lbw call, as he tried to swing Sajid across the line with Fawad taking the catch at short midwicket. Then, Liton Das, sent ahead of Shakib Al Hasan, tried to attack Sajid but only hit one back to the bowler as Bangladesh slipped to 46 for 5.

Sajid then completed his five-for when he trapped Najmul Hossain Shanto for 30. Shanto couldn't capitalise on his reprieves, first being dropped on 13 and later when he was caught behind off a Nauman Ali no-ball.

Shakib tried to bristle his way for runs, but Bangladesh kept losing wickets. Mehidy Hasan Miraz became Sajid's sixth victim. Shakib and Taijul Islam then survived 5.2 overs before play was called off.

Pakistan had earlier declared their first innings on 300 immediately after Fawad reached his second Test half-century. Rizwan made an unbeaten 53 off 94 balls, with the pair's unbroken fifth-wicket stand worth 103.

Rizwan endured slices of luck; he was dropped on 30 apart from surviving two lbw calls from the on-field umpires, both reversed through DRS.

Bangladesh had started well with pacers Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed bowling well in tandem, with the wickets of Azhar Ali and Babar Azam respectively. It was Khaled's first Test wicket, having bowled 69.4 overs over three Tests since his debut in November 2018.

When it comes to the Ashes

Tomorrow at 5 am Pakistan time (+5 GMT) and likewise 12 am Greenwich Meridian Time, England would be locking horns against their rivals Australia in Australia, hence this is gonna be something to worth watching, if there were India-Pakistan games, only than I won't had taken that much of the interest, but whatever the circumstances, the longest cricket format is likely to be watchable either in Australia and/or England, just because of different factors, 

1. the Crowd
2. Ambiance at ground
3. Production and broadcast quality and standard
4. On-Ground Theming
   

On-Ground theming

This is something many of my fellow Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan friends would be thinking that یہ لڑکا کیا اول فول بک رہا ہے but Australian, British and Proteas ground advertisement does complement their theming, unlike Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Lankan grounds, where use of theming colours on on-ground advertisement does look obnoxious because just imagine you're watching a game in either of the South Asian countries, instead of watching a complementary colour schema as yellow, orange, black etc are always seen, including India who're now incorporated with electronic on-ground advertisement, but still they way colour combinations are used during British, Australian, New Zealand and Proteas games, which is pleasing to the eyes.

One of the most anticipated series was the one between Australia and India in Australia where heavy usage of electronic advertisement was implemented. Along with the sporting excellence on display during the last two games between these two sides, technological brilliance is also witnessed by the sponsors.

In the first two one day international games, virtual advertisements have been used in Australia. The main sponsors of the series were not painted or laid down on the ground. The technology was used by the broadcast team to virtual embed these logos. In the past, sponsors used to get visibility when their big logos were painted in patches across the ground. However, technological advancement has made sure that there is no need to paint or lay down the carpets on the ground.

Dream11, Hero, Sensodyne, Ebco, IIFL, Amazon, Volkswagen were some of the brands that had virtual logos embedded during the one-day games between Australia and India. They were found on either sides of the playing pitch.

Virtual 3D logos are not being implemented for the first time in cricket grounds. In the past, virtual 3D logos have also been seen during India’s games in New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Considering the exposure on the television is not affected during the use of virtual 3D logos, brands are unlikely to be against using this technology. In the stadium, LED boards on the boundaries have also given another avenue to sponsors to explore without making any physical changes to the field.

However, the physical presence of logos is essential for the crowds in the stadiums. As of now, most of the games are played behind closed doors, so it does not make a big difference. Fans have been let in during the ODI series between India and Australia. It will be interesting to see whether they continue to use this approach when fans are completely back in the stadium.

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Poor Strategic Management from Pakistan

What is Strategic Management?

Strategic management is the ongoing planning, monitoring, analysis and assessment of all necessities an organization needs to meet its goals and objectives. Changes in business environments will require organizations to constantly assess their strategies for success. The strategic management process helps organizations take stock of their present situation, chalk out strategies, deploy them and analyze the effectiveness of the implemented management strategies.

But strategic management and Pakistan Cricket...

After watching 15 minutes highlights of today's game between England and Pakistan, I found it astonishingly alarming that the way our coaching and think-tank staff were literally dormant, which meant that 11 Pakistani players' inside the playing ground were on their own.

Where was PLAN A, B, C and D?

We have always been criminal in making opposition team players' stars and champions like we did with ZAK CRAWLEY.

Using out our bowlers...

The way our management used our bowlers were ridiculous and hence if you go through bowling stats, and literally it was openly adamant that after 1st test, the management tea, was stagnant and dormant hence we were over dependent on Yasir Shah and Muhammad Abbas, Shah got some wickets but sorry to say, England team worked Abbas out but where were our strategy regarding sustaining with MA? This is a shame, as when you have been reimbursed so heavily in the country, you're supposed to be working with more zeal and commitment. Furthermore when the coaching staff is being specialized, means one fast bowling coach, one coach for spin and a separate batting coach and still we are lagging so much... This is a shame.

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ICC world championship - A failed exercise from ICC

This is to my personal feeling, that ICC has been treating World Test Championship as a formality to comply because of the format I am seeing, when I compare it with Asian Test Championship which was between Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka (1998-99 and 2001-02 season sans India due to political tensions with Pakistan) and Bangladesh (in the second edition viz 2001-02, due to test status granted by ICC in 2000s)

The Asian Test Championship

1998-99 season

India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka competed in the inaugural Asian Test Championship between February and March 1999. Bangladesh could not compete because the ICC had not granted them Test status.
Three round-robin matches were played by the three competing sides. A win was worth 12 points, a tie 6 points and no points were awarded for a draw or loss. In addition to this, bonus points were awarded to teams for bowling and batting performances.
The venues of the round robin matches were rotated between the three countries, with the final to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh as a neutral venue.
Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 175 runs in the final to become the first Asian Test Champions.

2001-02 season

Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka competed in the second Asian Test Championship between August 2001 and March 2002. India pulled out of the tournament due to political tensions with Pakistan. Pakistan and Sri Lanka both played Bangladesh in the two round robin matches. A win was worth 16 points, a tie 8 points and no points were awarded for a draw or loss. In addition to this, bonus points were awarded to teams for bowling and batting performances. Pakistan and Sri Lanka qualified for the final after convincingly beating Bangladesh in Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan and Colombo in Sri Lanka.

The final was held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 8 wickets to win the second Asian Test championship.

ICC World Test Championship

The ICC World Test Championship is a league competition for Test cricket run by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which started on 1 August 2019. It is intended to be the premier championship for Test cricket. It is in line with the ICC's goal of having one pinnacle tournament for each of the three formats of international cricket.
The original plans to hold the competition in 2013, replacing the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, were abandoned. It was rescheduled for June 2017, with a second Test championship to take place in India in Feb-March 2021. The top four ranked teams on 31 December 2016 – the cut-off date set by the ICC – would play the three-match Test championship. There would have been two semi-finals and the winners play the final. However, in January 2014 the ICC World Test Championship was cancelled and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy was reinstated.
In October 2017, the ICC announced that a Test league had been agreed by its members, which would involve the top nine teams playing series over two years with the top two teams qualifying for a World Test League Championship Final. The first ICC World Test Championship started after the 2019 Cricket World Cup from 1 August 2019, with the Ashes series. The second ICC World Test Championship will run from July 2021 to June 2023.

Difference between ICC WTC and ATC

Home & Away

Asian Test Championship

The Asian Test Championship (ATC) was on the concept of round robin where matches were played on home and away concept, though it was a short tournament, means 3 teams completing their games and playing final inside 2 months mark. The first tournament games were played at Kolkata, Colombo, Lahore and Dhaka respectively. In the second season, games were played at Multan, Colombo and Lahore respectively.

ICC World Test Championship

There is no clarity on home & away games, I am not saying this with respect to India-Pakistan games but if it is to be called as a championship, every team competing in the championship is supposed to be playing with each other.

Take example of Pakistan

These are the games, Pakistan have played 5 games against 3 opponents where 2/5 means 40% of the games were lost by heavy margins, and 2/5 means 40% of the margin were win games and remaining 1/5 means 20% margin was a draw game; hence how could it be called as a championship, when Pakistan isn't going to play game with rest of the competing sides, nor there is a competition like in a championship? The most obvious definition of a championship was defined in last year ICC 50 over Cricket World Cup event, where every team was to play with other team, so there was a competition aspect among the teams, and there Pakistan missed the Semi Final spot just by mere points because of the haunting first game of the CWC 2019 for Pakistan which was against WINDIES (previously known as the West Indies)

Definition of Championship

a competition at which a champion is chosen

Hence in which matter, does it look like a championship? Because in a championship, equal amount of games are given to each and every participating team so that a champion team is decided upon completion of minimum amount of games, so that a clear champion could be decided upon the designated points and performance(s).

According to ICC calendar for 2020, these are the games for Pakistan scheduled

Hence in coming fixtures in 2020 for Pakistan, there are only 3 scheduled games; hence my question is ambiguity in Home/Away games for competing teams!

Number of games per series

It is a good thing that winning a game is 60, as according to the laid down plan, ICC WTC games could at least be 2 games per series, but the problem is instead ICC intervene and have standardized number of games per series so that points could be allocated, as the points allocation distribution is as follows;

Matches in series	Points on a win	Points when tied	Points in a draw game	Points in case of a loss game
2	60	30	20	0
3	40	20	13	0
4	30	15	10	0
5	24	12	8	0

Hence my objection is ambiguity in distribution of points, otherwise the number of games per series was to be confirmed/implemented by ICC, here implementation aspect is being diluted and hence every participating team HAS BEEN allowed to negotiate with fellow country to arrange a series with number of games which defy uniformity, unlike a series distributed by ICC, which doesn't complies with a championships points table, hence a country can stage more 2 test match series and few 4 5 test match series, in order to gain more points, which is like injustice WITHIN a CHAMPIONSHIP for few teams and hence it is a predicted aspect that these two teams are going to be the finalists, which is going to erase the interest of test match cricket within the masses, because the concept of a championship is the unpredictability of the final outcome.

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India slumped to number 3 position in ICC test rankings

This is something mind-wobbling for a person who tries to analyze the statistics and graphs with more comfort than written statements.

India slumped to number 3 position?

Since the CoronaVirus is termed is pandemic, as far as the cricket matches are concerned, all of the cricketing activities were frozen and put on waiting till further notice, hence all the statistics were put on freeze till the time last game was played.

Till that time?

All the statistics were put on freeze, the team on whatever position will be placed on the same position they played their game and scored the points. Till that time, India was the Numero-Uno position, then how come India slumped to 3rd position from the prime?

What the rule says?

The rule says that all test matches played from previous to current year from May 2019 to May 2020; 100 percent scores are given upon the performances, whereas the previous two years comprise of 50 percent each per year in weightage put into consideration.

In short, a weighted average method which we generally use at the fuel stations for marking the calculation for the amount of fuel available on the fuel station, as fuel rates vary from time to time, just like ICC test match ratings which are updated time to time, therefore it also means that the team, which is consistent in performing from time to time, is going to earn the majority of points because their deductions from the previous two years are also going to be taken consideration of.

If a particular team in patches performs like winning comprehensively and losing miserly and/or able to manage a draw into consideration, it is required to be continued on an average on regular basis with respect to winning series' ratio, the more series's you win, the more weighted average points you earn.

This is what cost India

Because as per the statistics till April 30th, 2020, India's statistics were on the high but as the clock turned and calendar showed May 1st, the new calendar started and India's current year performances were now marked in previous year tally which accounted for 50% of the weightage, and now in the current scenario where no other team is playing, India is currently marked at 3rd position whereas Australia on Numero-Uno, and it is expected that India is not going to face a test match opponent till December 2020, other teams might have resumed their test match cricket and hence this is surely looking a cemented statement that India is surely going to lose more points if competitive test match cricket starts before December 2020.

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Should WTC games be rerun in 2021?

Currently, the pandemic going on in today's time, it is highly unlikely that cricket games would not gain confidence of the international fraternity to stage international games at home and away (home of away team), therefore I personally feel it is highly unlikely that even ICC World T20 Event 2020 in Australia is not going to occur, where a single game ends within 3 hours, unlike a test match game where there are 3 sessions a day; A standard day of Test cricket consists of three sessions of two hours each, the breaks between sessions being 40 minutes for lunch and 20 minutes for tea. Means if there are 2 test matches in a series, therefore a single test match would contain 15 hours of playing sessions, which means a 2 test match series would have 30 hours of playing sessions, which in today's scenario is not the case that even a non-test match playing nation would risk playing on home nor foreign soil for such long span of time.

The World Test Championship should be played next year

Why I am advocating for its postponement?

Keeping in mind the today's scenario, where every single individual is and have been skeptical of each and every single thing like washing hands, touching staircases nor handshaking with our fellow colleagues etc. and hence under such circumstances if we opt for staging a single bilateral series between two teams is a dream of a dreamer these days, let alone a test match series which at least have a 2 test match series and like I mentioned above, there are 3 session a day, and there are 5 days a test match, therefore there are 15 hours of playing test match duration, and for that purpose, it is a potential risk of getting contaminated with the said contagion.

This is the main reason;

Because the game of cricket especially the test match cricket, is the game of sheer concentration, where it is like one is sewing a proper dress, which can either be a 3 piece suit, a shalwar suit, a casual tee shirt, or an un-stitched shorts, and for the purpose concentration is the main thing, and in current scenario, it is even harder for a player like the great Inzamam ul Haq to concentrate on the game amid the ongoing pandemic.

World Test Championship

Current Scenarios

The current remaining game of WTC

World Test Championship Calendar

Current remaining games of WTC excluding the postponed Pakistan v Bangladesh 2nd game at Karachi

Current World Test Championship Standings

This is the current WTC standings till April 20th, 2020

In case, if none of the WTC games being played in 2020, than under the current scenarios, those games are deemed to be called as a drawn game, and in such scenario where the game is not able to be completed under the current playing conditions where there is a global pandemic situation, and hence any single individual couldn't ignore this fact for sure, such game is going to be called a No result, where a "no result" is recorded if a limited over match which has been started cannot be completed, which usually occurs if weather or light interrupts play. The result is effectively the same as a draw.

In case, if all remaining games of WTC couldn't occur, such scenarios are expected

What I personally feel if we do not rerun these games at a later time?

It'd be unjust for some teams especially England and South Africa because in case of England, England is having all two games in their own backyard against the West Indies and Pakistan, where in their own den, England is definitely power to watch for and under current circumstances, they are deemed favourites for beating both and that too comprehensively, therefore England is surely going to show its displeasure in sharing those points with their opponents which England is surely going to oppose, considering their current lot of cricketers, and reconsider the fact that they are current ODI cricket champions, therefore being an unbiased cricket fan, I personally feel it is going to be unjust for some countries for sure.

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Series affected by Novel CoronaVirus

World Test Championship (WTC)

Dates: Started in July 2019, currently held up

Teams participating: 9

The WTC got off the blocks immediately after the 2019 men's 50-over World Cup. A tournament to be contested between the top nine Test-playing countries, the WTC was devised by the ICC as a marquee event culminating in a final between the top two teams on the table in June 2021 at Lord's. A maximum of 120 points per series is at stake with each team playing six series - three at home and three away - in the period. However, while some teams have played a fair share of their six series, some teams are yet to get started in earnest, and many series were scheduled for the rest of this year.

The following test series' are likely to be affected in case no cricket is played in 2020

March: Sri Lanka v England - two Tests

June: England v West Indies - three Tests

July-August: England v Pakistan - three Tests

July: West Indies v South Africa - two Tests

July: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka - three Tests

August: Bangladesh v New Zealand - two Tests

November-December: New Zealand v West Indies - three Tests

December-January (2021): Australia v India - four Tests

December-January (2021): New Zealand v Pakistan - two Tests

ODI League

Dates: Scheduled to start on May 1

Teams participating: 13

Alongside the WTC, the ICC had also approved the ODI League, to be played between May 1 this year and March 31, 2022, which would serve as a qualification pathway for the 2023 men's World Cup, to be played in India. There would be 13 teams, including the 12 Test-playing countries along with the Netherlands, that play eight series over a two-year cycle on a home-and-away basis against mutually agreed opponents.

The ICC is yet to finalise the playing conditions for the league, which it is scheduled to do during the upcoming ICC Board meetings, scheduled over teleconference later this month.

India (as hosts) plus the seven next-highest-ranked sides in the league as on March 31, 2022 will qualify directly for the 2023 World Cup, while the bottom five will get a second chance to make the grade through a qualifier.

The Asia Cup

Dates: Scheduled for September

Teams participating: 6

This six-team event, contested by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, is scheduled for September. It will be played in the T20 format with the PCB playing host. Later this month, the Asian Cricket Council is likely to finalise the venue for the Asia Cup.

Men's T20 World Cup

Dates: October 18 to November 15

World Test Championship (WTC)

Dates: Started in July 2019, currently held up

Teams participating: 9

The WTC got off the blocks immediately after the 2019 men's 50-over World Cup. A tournament to be contested between the top nine Test-playing countries, the WTC was devised by the ICC as a marquee event culminating in a final between the top two teams on the table in June 2021 at Lord's. A maximum of 120 points per series is at stake with each team playing six series - three at home and three away - in the period. However, while some teams have played a fair share of their six series, some teams are yet to get started in earnest, and many series were scheduled for the rest of this year.

The following test series' are likely to be affected in case no cricket is played in 2020

March: Sri Lanka v England - two Tests

June: England v West Indies - three Tests

July-August: England v Pakistan - three Tests

July: West Indies v South Africa - two Tests

July: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka - three Tests

August: Bangladesh v New Zealand - two Tests

November-December: New Zealand v West Indies - three Tests

December-January (2021): Australia v India - four Tests

December-January (2021): New Zealand v Pakistan - two Tests

ODI League

Dates: Scheduled to start on May 1

Teams participating: 13

Alongside the WTC, the ICC had also approved the ODI League, to be played between May 1 this year and March 31, 2022, which would serve as a qualification pathway for the 2023 men's World Cup, to be played in India. There would be 13 teams, including the 12 Test-playing countries along with the Netherlands, that play eight series over a two-year cycle on a home-and-away basis against mutually agreed opponents.

The ICC is yet to finalise the playing conditions for the league, which it is scheduled to do during the upcoming ICC Board meetings, scheduled over teleconference later this month.

India (as hosts) plus the seven next-highest-ranked sides in the league as on March 31, 2022 will qualify directly for the 2023 World Cup, while the bottom five will get a second chance to make the grade through a qualifier.

The Asia Cup

Dates: Scheduled for September

Teams participating: 6

This six-team event, contested by Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, is scheduled for September. It will be played in the T20 format with the PCB playing host. Later this month, the Asian Cricket Council is likely to finalise the venue for the Asia Cup.

Men's T20 World Cup

Dates: October 18 to November 15

Teams participating: 16

After the successful organisation of the women's event, Australia is set to play hosts to the men's T20 World Cup later this year too. Last November, six teams - Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Ireland, Namibia, Scotland and Oman - made the cut for the tournament after finishing in the top six of the qualifiers. Those six, along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, will contest in the qualifying stage of the T20 World Cup. The top four from that will progress to join the top-eight teams to contest in the Super12s stage, where the teams have been split into two groups.

 

World Test Championship - Current scenarios for all the teams

Hypothetical scenarios of how teams could score maximum off their remaining test match game

ICC world test championship table before the conclusion of #PAKvBAN

Pakistan if wins tomorrow's game, would give them 60 points and after the PSL if they win the Karachi test would acquire them 60 more points means Pakistan would gain 80 + 120 = 200, which would make them climb over England.