New Delhi, Jan 7 (NationPress) Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup-winning captain and cricket legend Arjuna Ranatunga has voiced serious apprehensions about a scheme emerging from cricket's 'Big Three' – India, England, and Australia – to reshape the landscape of Test cricket. The trio intends to implement a two-tier system that emphasizes their match-ups, sidelining other cricketing nations to a lesser role. Ranatunga warns that this strategy could significantly undermine the sport's growth, particularly in smaller cricketing nations.
A report from the Sydney Morning Herald disclosed that the leaders of the Indian, English, and Australian cricket boards are scheduled to convene with ICC officials later this month to deliberate on this contentious proposal.
The agenda includes a plan to boost the frequency of Test matches among the Big Three, ensuring that these teams face off twice every three years instead of the current once every four years. This adjustment would result in fewer opportunities for matches against other nations like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South Africa, and West Indies, effectively marginalizing teams outside of the Big Three.
Ranatunga was clear in his condemnation of the proposal, labeling it a blatant effort to place profit above the sport's integrity. "I comprehend the financial aspects. Such a move will undoubtedly enrich the three boards, but sport isn’t solely about Pounds, Dollars, and Rupees. Administrators must cultivate and safeguard the game, not just enrich their pockets,” Ranatunga stated to Telecom Asia Sport.
He underscored the extensive implications of the proposal, especially for emerging cricketing nations. He pointed to the performance of West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph, who was instrumental in his team's remarkable win against Australia at the Gabba last year. "Defeating the Aussies at the Gabba is a daunting task, but this player was exceptional. I am certain even Australian fans admired that display of raw talent. Why would you want to deny players like him a chance by excluding other nations?"
Ranatunga argued that the two-tier structure would deprive players from smaller nations of the chance to compete against the world's elite, hindering their development and preventing fans from experiencing the thrilling upsets that characterize cricket.
He did not shy away from criticizing the corporatization of cricket, attributing the trend to profit-driven administrators who prioritize financial success over the sport's essence. "To manage cricket, you do not necessarily need to be a former player, but it is crucial to understand the spirit of the game – its values and rich history. Unfortunately, when corporations take charge, everything is reduced to statistics and profit margins," he remarked.
Ranatunga appealed to cricket’s administrators to acknowledge their duty to maintain the game’s global appeal and inclusivity, warning that a corporate-first mentality could alienate fans and players.
He called upon India, the most powerful cricketing nation, to adopt a more inclusive and forward-thinking stance. He commended former Indian cricket leaders like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Raj Singh Dungarpur, Sharad Pawar, and Shashank Manohar for balancing India's interests with the greater good of world cricket. "India has a rich history of influencing world cricket. Leaders like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Raj Singh Dungarpur, Sharad Pawar, and Shashank Manohar had India's interests in mind, but they also recognized the larger picture. That’s the vision we require from India today – not this inward-focused, self-serving approach."
Ranatunga asserted that as the sport’s financial powerhouse, India has an ethical responsibility to bolster the survival and development of cricket in all its forms, particularly Test cricket, which remains the apex of the game. He concluded by urging the ICC and cricket’s administrators to dismiss the Big Three's proposal and instead focus on crafting a more equitable and inclusive schedule. He advocated for a system that affords all nations, regardless of size, the chance to compete at the highest level.
"Cricket transcends mere business. It is a sport that unites nations, inspires young talent, and creates unforgettable memories. Those in authority have a duty to protect its essence, not to exploit it for immediate gains."
