CRICKET CAN’T THRIVE WITH JUST THREE STRONG NATIONS; AUSTRALIA'S STEVE WAUGH LASHES OUT!

Recently, while speaking to TOI, former Australia captain Steve Waugh said that he is not convinced with the idea of ‘Big 3’ model, in which India, Australia and England dominate in both revenue-generation and share of profits. Cricket will never survive with only three countries getting a large chunk of the pie, he added. “There is no point having it if you just have three strong nations. We have to develop countries like Zimbabwe, Ireland, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Money needs to go to those countries too. I understand it’s a business and the ‘Big 3’ want more than everyone else, but if they want the game to thrive and survive, you definitely have to share and develop other countries,” Waugh was quoted as saying.

He spoke about the proposal to bring in four-day tests and said the same would lead to a quality dip. “There are too many changes going around these days. There is nothing wrong with tradition. Some of the best Test matches go till the fifth day. I think if the length of Test matches is reduced then the standard of cricket will drop. Spinners will go out of the game,” he said.

He, however, was in favour of day-night tests and said, “It is great. It is a great opportunity, a great spectacle. One will never forget playing in a day-night Test in Australia. It’s got fantastic atmosphere. It is a new challenge and a chance for the greats of this generation to tick that box for them. It’s how you look at it - either it is a challenge or too hard. I’m sure India will see it as a challenge. It’s good for world cricket and I am glad that India have agreed to play.”