Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[JSRAW]

~snip~

Ranji trophy is a very old competition and there is no doubt about it. But at the same time, I have to say that the quality has gone down the drain. There are simply too many teams competing right now. Look at the English county championship. There are 18 teams competing, and still they are thinking about cutting down the number of participants. Australia and West Indies have just 6 first class teams and same is the case with New Zealand. India should move from a zonal level first class competition from the current state-level setup.

They already changed the Ranji grouping system in 2018-19. Still not perfect because Plate group gets the easy pass.
This is good article as far as solution is concern: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/go-back-to-elite-and-plate-system-in-ranji-trophy-ratnakar-shetty-to-bcci/articleshow/69395950.cms

Now it has 4 groups.

Plate - Uttarakhand, Bihar, Puducherry, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram (weak teams)
Elite Group C - Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Haryana, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Services, Tripura, Goa (okay-ish teams)
Elite Group A and B - All big teams, around 18.

India should move from a zonal level first class competition from the current state-level setup.

Hmm don't know how it's going to work out.

[Tony116]

Well there are proofs that whats happening in Balochistan is funded by a neighbor country. Every country has its own internal issues, i remember how closely BAN team survived a killing attempt in NZ but nobody boycott going to NZ for playing cricket. There are matches in the past in Pakistan without any issue.

I am not sure which proof are you talking about. NZ mosque attack happened in 2019 and in 2021 Bangladesh were back in Newzealand and were playing against them. I think the Bangladesh board were convinced with the security provided by the NZ authorities to its player otherwise they should have boycotted the tournament or could have asked for a neutral location. I am not sure why there is debate on this when the team that narrowly avoided the mass shooting does not have a problem.

Probably we are thinking that if the team which narrowly survived the shooting doesn't have any problem then where has nothing happened yet, why is there a problem?

And after all these debates I think that finally, it comes to the players and the boards if they think that they will be safe and if they trust the security of Pakistan then they will show the tour Pakistan otherwise they will not.

[Juggy777]

Well there are proofs that whats happening in Balochistan is funded by a neighbor country. Every country has its own internal issues, i remember how closely BAN team survived a killing attempt in NZ but nobody boycott going to NZ for playing cricket. There are matches in the past in Pakistan without any issue.

I am not sure which proof are you talking about. NZ mosque attack happened in 2019 and in 2021 Bangladesh were back in Newzealand and were playing against them. I think the Bangladesh board were convinced with the security provided by the NZ authorities to its player otherwise they should have boycotted the tournament or could have asked for a neutral location. I am not sure why there is debate on this when the team that narrowly avoided the mass shooting does not have a problem.

Probably we are thinking that if the team which narrowly survived the shooting doesn't have any problem then where has nothing happened yet, why is there a problem?

And after all these debates I think that finally, it comes to the players and the boards if they think that they will be safe and if they trust the security of Pakistan then they will show the tour Pakistan otherwise they will not.

I think it’s time to judge countries based on current scenarios vs what’s happened in the past, and if a country can prove in current scenario that it’s capable of hosting test matches then it should be given a chance to do so.

Lastly player’s need to be made aware of what’s the current ground situation, and for this ICC and the host country can take initiatives, and this will help player’s feel relaxed and only then they’ll be keen to travel to those countries.

[Iranus]

~snip~
Ranji trophy is a very old competition and there is no doubt about it. But at the same time, I have to say that the quality has gone down the drain. There are simply too many teams competing right now. Look at the English county championship. There are 18 teams competing, and still they are thinking about cutting down the number of participants. Australia and West Indies have just 6 first class teams and same is the case with New Zealand. India should move from a zonal level first class competition from the current state-level setup.

They already changed the Ranji grouping system in 2018-19. Still not perfect because Plate group gets the easy pass.
This is good article as far as solution is concern: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/go-back-to-elite-and-plate-system-in-ranji-trophy-ratnakar-shetty-to-bcci/articleshow/69395950.cms
Now it has 4 groups.
Plate - Uttarakhand, Bihar, Puducherry, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram (weak teams)
Elite Group C - Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Haryana, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Services, Tripura, Goa (okay-ish teams)
Elite Group A and B - All big teams, around 18.

I think after all it comes down to the revenue and also IPL will obviously have a better security system against anything including the coronavirus situation.

Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think that the Ranji trophy competition will have the same caution against coronavirus as the IPL. And surely it also does take a lot of time, so at the moment I actually think that it is not worth it, to be honest. But yes that is going to do a lot of harm to a lot of cricketers.

[blatchcorn]

Never mind, I know these questions are not going to be answered by the people it should be. Yes, the bomb blast is a very serious thing and probably for now any other team should be cautious of tours in Pakistan. But we didn't seem to remember that, when the New Zealand Christchurch incident happened.

NZ is ally of Aus that's why they have same status as Aussies enjoy, moreover there PM has done great job to build a positive image of NZ after that mass killings. The logic is very simple I don't know why we discussing it again and again. If you are strong board and can give financial benefits to other then it's all OK.    

[TheGreatPython]

Probably we are thinking that if the team which narrowly survived the shooting doesn't have any problem then where has nothing happened yet, why is there a problem?

And after all these debates I think that finally, it comes to the players and the boards if they think that they will be safe and if they trust the security of Pakistan then they will show the tour Pakistan otherwise they will not.

Now I want to clear one thing it's not all about players and boards it's all about just political because recently we have few things which never happen before and these are showing true face of few countries and their policies like recently England Cricket Board cancel Pakistan's tour due to security reasons and now 22 English players are in PSL, and we have few from Australia and South Africa as well they have no security issues or any fear about anything even few members here pointing out that bomb blast happen in Lahore its big issue, but it's nothing any serious because security agencies already doing their duty, and now they are capturing all culprits those doing these tricks for many years.

Now what happen in New Zealand it's completely different story and now their media is also never want to hint out about this because they know it's wrong face of their country and all want to hit out at Pakistan because here system is regrouping, and they are improving things for better future.

[laurenB7742]

Probably we are thinking that if the team which narrowly survived the shooting doesn't have any problem then where has nothing happened yet, why is there a problem?
And after all these debates I think that finally, it comes to the players and the boards if they think that they will be safe and if they trust the security of Pakistan then they will show the tour Pakistan otherwise they will not.

Now I want to clear one thing it's not all about players and boards it's all about just political because recently we have few things which never happen before and these are showing true face of few countries and their policies like recently England Cricket Board cancel Pakistan's tour due to security reasons and now 22 English players are in PSL, and we have few from Australia and South Africa as well they have no security issues or any fear about anything even few members here pointing out that bomb blast happen in Lahore its big issue, but it's nothing any serious because security agencies already doing their duty, and now they are capturing all culprits those doing these tricks for many years.

Now what happen in New Zealand it's completely different story and now their media is also never want to hint out about this because they know it's wrong face of their country and all want to hit out at Pakistan because here system is regrouping, and they are improving things for better future.

I think it's all about the media trying to do what they are told to do.
I think any conscious people how have general knowledge and ethically neutral, knows well that in every country the media is always controlled by the people in power.
Newzealand did what is best for their team and their reputation but Pakistan could not do that in my opinion.
And obviously, the news got spread like fire and everyone is extra cautious about touring in Pakistan.

[Sithara007]

India should move from a zonal level first class competition from the current state-level setup.

Hmm don't know how it's going to work out.

Well... my suggestion is to have a total of six zonal sides - Northwest, Central, West, South, East and North-Central. This will be similar to the six team setup with Plunkett Shield or the Sheffield Shield. Within the Zonal teams, we can have 6-7 state sides competing against each other. For example, NorthWest zone should comprise - Jammu Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh (not sure whether Ladakh even has a cricket team). This will eliminate the possibility of lop-sided contests.

[blatchcorn]

Now I want to clear one thing it's not all about players and boards it's all about just political because recently we have few things which never happen before and these are showing true face of few countries and their policies like recently England Cricket Board cancel Pakistan's tour due to security reasons and now 22 English players are in PSL, and we have few from Australia and South Africa as well they have no security issues or any fear about anything even few members here pointing out that bomb blast happen in Lahore its big issue, but it's nothing any serious because security agencies already doing their duty, and now they are capturing all culprits those doing these tricks for many years.

Now what happen in New Zealand it's completely different story and now their media is also never want to hint out about this because they know it's wrong face of their country and all want to hit out at Pakistan because here system is regrouping, and they are improving things for better future.

Let's hope all superiority complex moves out of cricket and we see all boards at same ranks. It's just a wish now and I am sure it won't turn into a reality in next few years at-least. Cricket is game of gentlemen and must be played in gentle manner. Right now it's completely dominated by big3.

[redsun114]

Let's hope all superiority complex moves out of cricket and we see all boards at same ranks. It's just a wish now and I am sure it won't turn into a reality in next few years at-least. Cricket is game of gentlemen and must be played in gentle manner. Right now it's completely dominated by big3.

Now it's not possible because it's all about mind set and most peoples here in ICC have colonial mind set they want to do things just for their own sack not for any improvement of this game or any better result. If we want to improve this game in positive way than now it's time for them to encourage these franchise leagues because these will bring some good investment and this will improve few countries domestic system which will help youths to have some good and better use of this.

Most chances we will watch some big changes in next 10 to 15 years about this all and cricket could be just like Soccer where teams will meet in some Mega ICC events and then rest of season these will enjoy these franchise leagues.

[7788bitcoin]

I don't know why SL, Zimbabwe, SA and WI have no security concerns while playing in Pakistan. Only countries of white origins have concerns while playing in Pakistan. Of course we all know India has political concerns that's why they are not touring Pakistan. But its sad that few boards are doing whatever they want and nobody dare to ask them.

Do not bring race into this equation, none of the teams were touring Pakistan for a very long time and only now they are opening up and players are coming over to play the PSL and now some of the teams started touring them and eventually all the teams will tour them if they are ensure that they can provide proper security for the teams that are touring.

[pakhitheboss]

Now I want to clear one thing it's not all about players and boards it's all about just political because recently we have few things which never happen before and these are showing true face of few countries and their policies like recently England Cricket Board cancel Pakistan's tour due to security reasons and now 22 English players are in PSL, and we have few from Australia and South Africa as well they have no security issues or any fear about anything even few members here pointing out that bomb blast happen in Lahore its big issue, but it's nothing any serious because security agencies already doing their duty, and now they are capturing all culprits those doing these tricks for many years.

Now what happen in New Zealand it's completely different story and now their media is also never want to hint out about this because they know it's wrong face of their country and all want to hit out at Pakistan because here system is regrouping, and they are improving things for better future.

Let's hope all superiority complex moves out of cricket and we see all boards at same ranks. It's just a wish now and I am sure it won't turn into a reality in next few years at-least. Cricket is game of gentlemen and must be played in gentle manner. Right now it's completely dominated by big3.

Cricket is no more a game of gentlemen. The day money got involved it became a game of professional men. I doubt all boards will fall under the same rank. There are a few boards that generate a lot of revenue for ICC and then there are some who live on the money given by ICC. How can they be considered same when money is involved?

[Sithara007]

Cricket is no more a game of gentlemen. The day money got involved it became a game of professional men. I doubt all boards will fall under the same rank. There are a few boards that generate a lot of revenue for ICC and then there are some who live on the money given by ICC. How can they be considered same when money is involved?

Cricket is no more a gentleman's game. And that's not because money got involved, but because of greedy businessmen controlling the ICC. Take the case of every other sports body, be it FIFA, FIH or the IOC. All these bodies are controlled by ex-athletes. And now take the case of the ICC. When was the last time that ICC had a chairman who is a former cricketer? ICC has always been under the control of greedy businessmen and these guys don't have any interest in expanding the popularity of the sport. All they care about is money.

[laurenB7742]

Let's hope all superiority complex moves out of cricket and we see all boards at same ranks. It's just a wish now and I am sure it won't turn into a reality in next few years at-least. Cricket is game of gentlemen and must be played in gentle manner. Right now it's completely dominated by big3.

Now it's not possible because it's all about mind set and most peoples here in ICC have colonial mind set they want to do things just for their own sack not for any improvement of this game or any better result. If we want to improve this game in positive way than now it's time for them to encourage these franchise leagues because these will bring some good investment and this will improve few countries domestic system which will help youths to have some good and better use of this.

Most chances we will watch some big changes in next 10 to 15 years about this all and cricket could be just like Soccer where teams will meet in some Mega ICC events and then rest of season these will enjoy these franchise leagues.

That would be really cool to see but that's a long way away from now in my opinion. Because with such a few teams, it is not realistic to even do something.
You know, the number of countries that play football are is almost 10 times more than Cricket. But, first of all, they have to stop chasing money and think about how to make this game better and how to reach people easily.

[perfect999]

I don't know why SL, Zimbabwe, SA and WI have no security concerns while playing in Pakistan. Only countries of white origins have concerns while playing in Pakistan. Of course we all know India has political concerns that's why they are not touring Pakistan. But its sad that few boards are doing whatever they want and nobody dare to ask them.

Do not bring race into this equation, none of the teams were touring Pakistan for a very long time and only now they are opening up and players are coming over to play the PSL and now some of the teams started touring them and eventually all the teams will tour them if they are ensure that they can provide proper security for the teams that are touring.

You are right 10 to 15 years no team tour Pakistan due to security issues, and they were right in this case, but now things are change and due to PSL they have some better environment which is helping them to bring some good number of players are joining here and enjoying cricket without any fear so recently tour of West Indies and now PSL is really game changer for Pakistan Cricket with now they have few ex cricketers controlling PCB which was big mess now have some better professionalism and better marketing ideas for bringing some positive image of Pakistan and cricket in this country.

Now, all eyes on Australia if they arrived and this settle peacefully then surely there could be big change and many other teams also feel OK for touring Pakistan without any concern.

[galambo]

Now, all eyes on Australia if they arrived and this settle peacefully then surely there could be big change and many other teams also feel OK for touring Pakistan without any concern.

Cricket Australia clear men's team tour of Pakistan in March

On Thursday, Test captain Pat Cummins confirmed most players were comfortable with the series going ahead

So far things in right directions for CA tour to Pakistan. Right now Aus players are also taking part in PSL which is indication that CA has no objection in sending its players to Pakistan.

[Marvell1]

Cricket is no more a game of gentlemen. The day money got involved it became a game of professional men. I doubt all boards will fall under the same rank. There are a few boards that generate a lot of revenue for ICC and then there are some who live on the money given by ICC. How can they be considered same when money is involved?

Cricket is no more a gentleman's game. And that's not because money got involved, but because of greedy businessmen controlling the ICC. Take the case of every other sports body, be it FIFA, FIH or the IOC. All these bodies are controlled by ex-athletes. And now take the case of the ICC. When was the last time that ICC had a chairman who is a former cricketer? ICC has always been under the control of greedy businessmen and these guys don't have any interest in expanding the popularity of the sport. All they care about is money.

And we also can see that even the cricket board are being controlled by non-cricketers or businessmen, right? That's where the actual problem lies.

Have a look at the Bangladesh cricket board for example. Has The President of the Bangladesh cricket board ever played cricket? Like ever?
All I have seen him play is probably blackjack in casinos.  
But, he is the head of the Bangladesh cricket board. Sometimes it actually amazes me that this team is still doing reasonably well.

Anyway, unless people can get out of the habit of chasing money the game is not going to reach people at its best and people are obviously not going to be interested.

[galambo]

And we also can see that even the cricket board are being controlled by non-cricketers or businessmen, right? That's where the actual problem lies.

Have a look at the Bangladesh cricket board for example. Has The President of the Bangladesh cricket board ever played cricket? Like ever?
All I have seen him play is probably blackjack in casinos.  
But, he is the head of the Bangladesh cricket board. Sometimes it actually amazes me that this team is still doing reasonably well.

Anyway, unless people can get out of the habit of chasing money the game is not going to reach people at its best and people are obviously not going to be interested.

Head of board slot is purely for management and you don't need to be a cricketer to occupy that slot. The problem with Bangladesh cricket is something else they failed to prove that they have adequate talent in the country which is playing test for over two decades. There were noticeable names like jagmohan dalmiya they never played cricket.

[Emitdama]

Head of board slot is purely for management and you don't need to be a cricketer to occupy that slot. The problem with Bangladesh cricket is something else they failed to prove that they have adequate talent in the country which is playing test for over two decades. There were noticeable names like jagmohan dalmiya they never played cricket.

Good point it's not important you have ex cricketer as President then you can do some better you need some better structure and domestic set up as well for this we have many great examples around the globe where non players done great jobs and have historic results it's all about team and management with some desire for your profession and country we are watching Bangladesh for last two decades, and they completely fail to have some better structure and environment for this game even they have roots of cricket in this region for many decades like before independence Pakistan have few matches here as well and there were some good players and facilities were available but recently corruption and attitude completely change things, and now they are going down in quality and passion very badly which is big concern for them.

[Sithara007]

Head of board slot is purely for management and you don't need to be a cricketer to occupy that slot. The problem with Bangladesh cricket is something else they failed to prove that they have adequate talent in the country which is playing test for over two decades. There were noticeable names like jagmohan dalmiya they never played cricket.

Well... I disagree with you on Jagmohan Dalmiya. He never got a chance to play international cricket (although he represented one of the most famous clubs in the Kolkata local competition). Still, when he was the president of the ICC he undertook major measures to boost the popularity of cricket in associate nations. And he was the one who first proposed to include cricket in Olympics. But his downfall started in 2004, when UPA won the elections in India. Srinivasan-Pawar combination captured power and they reversed the policy to popularize cricket. The mafia was in power for one decade and they pushed back the sport by at least 2-3 decades. The damage they did will never be undone.