Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[TheGreatPython]

Agreed, cricket lovers prioritize test format cricket in which it is possible to see the real game of the players. With most of cricket fans, the time is a big problem. For the same reason other format of cricket have taken the place. However with the involvement of few teams into test cricket it is possible to watch some good cricket. We don't know how long this continues, because today we were able to see three T20 league taking place simultaneously. BPL, BBL ans SA20.

LOL... completely wrong.

Test viewership is declining for the past one or two decades and hardly anyone watches test cricket especially when team outside the pig-4 play. The only test series that are of interest to viewers are Border-Gavaskar (India vs Australia), Trans-Tasman (Australia vs New Zealand), Ashes (Australia vs England) and any potential India vs Pakistan series. Outside these, test cricket is pretty much dead. T20 (especially the franchise leagues) is what attracted viewers back to cricket. For every 1 fan who watch test cricket, there are 10 who watch T20. It is the preferred format for the younger generation.

I absolutely agreed about this and want to add some more things in next few years we will have no charm for test format in many countries and just top four will be enjoyed this because they have good sponsors for this and their system is also allowed them to have luxury like these others will surely suffer or even can exit from this because this is not profitable for them in long run and now from here ICC needs to do some revolutionary changes which will help them for doubling their revenue even have big market for the cricket as well just work on few things which helps new countries, and they will be able to have better facilities and structure for this all.

In test The Ashes, Trans-Tasman and BGT are enough for them to have good profit and viewership others needs to easily exit and enjoy this new shorter format for better life.

[Sithara007]

^^^ For test and limited overs cricket, there is not much overlap in the fan base. And this is the reason why I have always argued for having separate teams for both the formats. A lot of people argue that if the same team plays test cricket along with limited overs at the same time, then viewership will go down. I don't think that is the case. Test cricket is mostly watched by middle-aged and elderly people and they don't necessarily watch T20 or ODI formats. It may help the national boards to maximize their revenue. At least the pig-4 can do this, as they can create separate squads for T20 and test.

[Juggy777]

Agreed, cricket lovers prioritize test format cricket in which it is possible to see the real game of the players. With most of cricket fans, the time is a big problem. For the same reason other format of cricket have taken the place. However with the involvement of few teams into test cricket it is possible to watch some good cricket. We don't know how long this continues, because today we were able to see three T20 league taking place simultaneously. BPL, BBL ans SA20.

LOL... completely wrong.

Test viewership is declining for the past one or two decades and hardly anyone watches test cricket especially when team outside the pig-4 play. The only test series that are of interest to viewers are Border-Gavaskar (India vs Australia), Trans-Tasman (Australia vs New Zealand), Ashes (Australia vs England) and any potential India vs Pakistan series. Outside these, test cricket is pretty much dead. T20 (especially the franchise leagues) is what attracted viewers back to cricket. For every 1 fan who watch test cricket, there are 10 who watch T20. It is the preferred format for the younger generation.

I absolutely agreed about this and want to add some more things in next few years we will have no charm for test format in many countries and just top four will be enjoyed this because they have good sponsors for this and their system is also allowed them to have luxury like these others will surely suffer or even can exit from this because this is not profitable for them in long run and now from here ICC needs to do some revolutionary changes which will help them for doubling their revenue even have big market for the cricket as well just work on few things which helps new countries, and they will be able to have better facilities and structure for this all.

In test The Ashes, Trans-Tasman and BGT are enough for them to have good profit and viewership others needs to easily exit and enjoy this new shorter format for better life.

@TheGreatPython there was a time when I used to love watching test matches and believe me those 5 day’s were really exciting but ever since T20 came I lost my love for test cricket, however I believe that ICC should organise more day and night test matches as people are yet keen to see those but besides that I feel there’s very little demand left for this format.

^^^ For test and limited overs cricket, there is not much overlap in the fan base. And this is the reason why I have always argued for having separate teams for both the formats. A lot of people argue that if the same team plays test cricket along with limited overs at the same time, then viewership will go down. I don't think that is the case. Test cricket is mostly watched by middle-aged and elderly people and they don't necessarily watch T20 or ODI formats. It may help the national boards to maximize their revenue. At least the pig-4 can do this, as they can create separate squads for T20 and test.

@Sithara007 I strongly feel that in the long run we’ll definitely have different team’s for different formats, as this will allow the team’s to include more specialists but you’re also right that other small team’s won’t be able to have different set of squads for different formats meaning they’ll always continue to be at an disadvantage in comparison to other big team’s.

[Sithara007]

@Sithara007 I strongly feel that in the long run we’ll definitely have different team’s for different formats, as this will allow the team’s to include more specialists but you’re also right that other small team’s won’t be able to have different set of squads for different formats meaning they’ll always continue to be at an disadvantage in comparison to other big team’s.

Well.. I understand. For teams such as Sri Lanka and West Indies, it will be difficult to find enough quality players to have separate teams for both tests and limited overs. But in that case, test matches involving these teams are not always competitive. Perhaps we need to limit test cricket to the top 5-6 countries then? Apart from the pig-4, I believe that Pakistan and South Africa are also capable of playing test cricket. But what about the other 3 tier 1 teams? I am talking about Sri Lanka, West Indies and Bangladesh. These three can be relegated to tier-2 along with Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe.

[BobK71]

India VS Pakistan bilateral series

It will never happen as India does not care about Pakistan cricket. India also does not want to play with Pakistan as India does not need revenue from those matches. BCCI is in a stronger position as India is now and might remain the biggest cricketing nation.

Revenue is not a big deal in this case. If two adjoining countries who are top ranked in cricket particularly in Asia do not appear in international tournaments due to their rivalry with each other then the tournament will not be successful. The ICC will get into more trouble. There is still a long time to change the decision and find the alternative one. I think both countries will agree to come forward and will try to make it successful.

[pakhitheboss]

India VS Pakistan bilateral series

It will never happen as India does not care about Pakistan cricket. India also does not want to play with Pakistan as India does not need revenue from those matches. BCCI is in a stronger position as India is now and might remain the biggest cricketing nation.

Revenue is not a big deal in this case. If two adjoining countries who are top ranked in cricket particularly in Asia do not appear in international tournaments due to their rivalry with each other then the tournament will not be successful. The ICC will get into more trouble. There is still a long time to change the decision and find the alternative one. I think both countries will agree to come forward and will try to make it successful.

I doubt that in the next 6 years a bilateral series between these two team will happen. The present government is most likely to win the central election which is scheduled to happen next year. I have zero hopes for now! The only option available is to watch these two teams play against each other in a ICC tournament. Already there is doubt whether India will be playing against Pakistan in the Asia cup.

[BobK71]

India VS Pakistan bilateral series

It will never happen as India does not care about Pakistan cricket. India also does not want to play with Pakistan as India does not need revenue from those matches. BCCI is in a stronger position as India is now and might remain the biggest cricketing nation.

Revenue is not a big deal in this case. If two adjoining countries who are top ranked in cricket particularly in Asia do not appear in international tournaments due to their rivalry with each other then the tournament will not be successful. The ICC will get into more trouble. There is still a long time to change the decision and find the alternative one. I think both countries will agree to come forward and will try to make it successful.

I doubt that in the next 6 years a bilateral series between these two team will happen. The present government is most likely to win the central election which is scheduled to happen next year. I have zero hopes for now! The only option available is to watch these two teams play against each other in a ICC tournament. Already there is doubt whether India will be playing against Pakistan in the Asia cup.

I am not thinking about the election because there will be no change in central government. The current government will remain in place. However, if India does not play in the upcoming Asia Cup, then there is a doubt whether Pakistan will participate in the World Cup. And bilateral series cannot be expected. ICC has to come forward as mediator in such situation and take strict decisions if necessary. Otherwise it seems quite impossible to expect a simple solution to this issue.

[Sithara007]

I am not thinking about the election because there will be no change in central government. The current government will remain in place. However, if India does not play in the upcoming Asia Cup, then there is a doubt whether Pakistan will participate in the World Cup. And bilateral series cannot be expected. ICC has to come forward as mediator in such situation and take strict decisions if necessary. Otherwise it seems quite impossible to expect a simple solution to this issue.

Since the BCCI is such a dominant force within the ICC, I am not sure what are the options remaining with PCB in case India refuses to take part in the Asia Cup. If the BCCI remains adamant, then the best possible scenario would be to move the matches to a neutral venue. If that doesn't happen, then the Asia Cup will proceed without Indian participation and ACC will lose valuable revenue. Pakistan has limited options available with them. They can boycott the ODI World Cup, but it will backfire on them as the ICC is going to impose hefty monetary fines if that happens.

[ZAINmalik75]

I am not thinking about the election because there will be no change in central government. The current government will remain in place. However, if India does not play in the upcoming Asia Cup, then there is a doubt whether Pakistan will participate in the World Cup. And bilateral series cannot be expected. ICC has to come forward as mediator in such situation and take strict decisions if necessary. Otherwise it seems quite impossible to expect a simple solution to this issue.

Since the BCCI is such a dominant force within the ICC, I am not sure what are the options remaining with PCB in case India refuses to take part in the Asia Cup. If the BCCI remains adamant, then the best possible scenario would be to move the matches to a neutral venue. If that doesn't happen, then the Asia Cup will proceed without Indian participation and ACC will lose valuable revenue. Pakistan has limited options available with them. They can boycott the ODI World Cup, but it will backfire on them as the ICC is going to impose hefty monetary fines if that happens.

It's true that India will confirmly didn't participate in Asia Cup if it held in Pakistan, but if they government from both country make some good relation then the decision of Jay shah may be dismissed,
While on same time if they didn't make some good relation and  India remove Thier presence from Asia Cup, no doubt it will be a great loss for this event. But if same decision take by Pakistan like remove his presence from world cup then it will also a huge lose for this event because ICC earn most of his revenue from India Pakistan match only as compared to any other.
So the best solution from them to shift both event to neutral venue.

[Sithara007]

^^^ Yes.. that's what I think as well. Although the PCB is unhappy about it, in the end they don't have any other choice. They are heavily dependent on the revenues from ICC. On the other hand, the BCCI doesn't care much about the ICC funds, as they are earning handsomely from the IPL (and now the WIPL as well). But things will get ugly at some point before the tournament. The Asia Cup is scheduled to be played in September 2023. The ODI world cup is supposed to start one month after this. So any impact from the Asian Cup will likely spill over to the ODI World Cup as well.

[JSRAW]

Good news for India. Sir Jadeja is playing Ranji match for Saurashtra and it looks like he's completely recovered and match fit.

Already took 7-fer in 2nd inning for his side against TN. Feeling a little bit safe in regard to his fitness and in the context of BGT. 

[YinShuiSiYuan]

^^^ Yes.. that's what I think as well. Although the PCB is unhappy about it, in the end they don't have any other choice. They are heavily dependent on the revenues from ICC. On the other hand, the BCCI doesn't care much about the ICC funds, as they are earning handsomely from the IPL (and now the WIPL as well). But things will get ugly at some point before the tournament. The Asia Cup is scheduled to be played in September 2023. The ODI world cup is supposed to start one month after this. So any impact from the Asian Cup will likely spill over to the ODI World Cup as well.

This is almost confirm now that there will be a neutral venue for Asia Cup and after 4th February meeting between India and Pakistan chairman's about ACC things will be more clear.
Pakistan can't afford to take any bold steps like not participating in world cup as they can't go against ICC but opposite is the case with India.
India will put immense pressure on ICC over this issue and make things according to their will.

[Marvell1]

^^^ Yes.. that's what I think as well. Although the PCB is unhappy about it, in the end they don't have any other choice. They are heavily dependent on the revenues from ICC. On the other hand, the BCCI doesn't care much about the ICC funds, as they are earning handsomely from the IPL (and now the WIPL as well). But things will get ugly at some point before the tournament. The Asia Cup is scheduled to be played in September 2023. The ODI world cup is supposed to start one month after this. So any impact from the Asian Cup will likely spill over to the ODI World Cup as well.

This is almost confirm now that there will be a neutral venue for Asia Cup and after 4th February meeting between India and Pakistan chairman's about ACC things will be more clear.
Pakistan can't afford to take any bold steps like not participating in world cup as they can't go against ICC but opposite is the case with India.
India will put immense pressure on ICC over this issue and make things according to their will.

Sithara007, Certainly, India does not care about the money that they get from the ICC. And that instantly puts them in a position of power. That's because they are self-sufficient. But Pakistan is not like that. Pakistan has to care about the money that they get from the ICC. So, India is in an advantageous position right now. Because if they do not take part in the Asia cup, it is not going to matter too much for them. But if that happens and Pakistan also decides to not take part in the world cup, it is going to be very devastating for Pakistan.

[BobK71]

Pakistan can't afford to take any bold steps like not participating in world cup as they can't go against ICC but opposite is the case with India.
India will put immense pressure on ICC over this issue and make things according to their will.

India has been going through financial solvency for long time. The  large number of cricket market that India has captured is not possible for any other country. The opposite situation happen in the case of Pakistan. Presently Pakistan is in financial crisis. They would certainly never want to make such a big loss. However, it is heard that if the Asia Cup is not held in Pakistan, Pakistan cricket will also not participate in the ODI World Cup in India. However, all the cricket lovers want the upcoming ODI World Cup to be held participating by both countries.

[MusaPk]

Pakistan can't afford to take any bold steps like not participating in world cup as they can't go against ICC but opposite is the case with India.
India will put immense pressure on ICC over this issue and make things according to their will.

India has been going through financial solvency for long time. The  large number of cricket market that India has captured is not possible for any other country. The opposite situation happen in the case of Pakistan. Presently Pakistan is in financial crisis. They would certainly never want to make such a big loss. However, it is heard that if the Asia Cup is not held in Pakistan, Pakistan cricket will also not participate in the ODI World Cup in India. However, all the cricket lovers want the upcoming ODI World Cup to be held participating by both countries.

I think India should tour Pakistan and give spectators a chance of seeing Pakistan vs India match in Pakistan. There are rivalries between different nations of the world but when it comes to sports than government usually separates them. But this is not the case in India Pakistan cricket boards. Both boards are waiting for signal from there governments about what to do about Asia and ODI world cup. India no doubt is in better position then Pakistan.

[mm2543363580]

Pakistan can't afford to take any bold steps like not participating in world cup as they can't go against ICC but opposite is the case with India.
India will put immense pressure on ICC over this issue and make things according to their will.

India has been going through financial solvency for long time. The  large number of cricket market that India has captured is not possible for any other country. The opposite situation happen in the case of Pakistan. Presently Pakistan is in financial crisis. They would certainly never want to make such a big loss. However, it is heard that if the Asia Cup is not held in Pakistan, Pakistan cricket will also not participate in the ODI World Cup in India. However, all the cricket lovers want the upcoming ODI World Cup to be held participating by both countries.

And I think if aisa cup Is held at a neutral venue Pakistan will still participate in that and that's the right spirit , what India is doing right now over Asia Cup making an issue out of nothing and making unfair use of their power is extremely wrong .
Cricket should be played with the spirit to win the game and whoever wins is powerful and strong.
India will comeup with strange and weird points to change venue .

[Sithara007]

Sithara007, Certainly, India does not care about the money that they get from the ICC. And that instantly puts them in a position of power. That's because they are self-sufficient. But Pakistan is not like that. Pakistan has to care about the money that they get from the ICC. So, India is in an advantageous position right now. Because if they do not take part in the Asia cup, it is not going to matter too much for them. But if that happens and Pakistan also decides to not take part in the world cup, it is going to be very devastating for Pakistan.

It is not like India doesn't care about the funds from the ICC. At the moment, they get around $40 million per year from the ICC, which is a huge amount (although it comprises only 4% to 5% of the annual revenues for the BCCI). But the point is that BCCI can function without any issue even if the ICC funds are withheld and the same can't be said about Pakistan. PCB is till dependent on the grants from ICC for most of their annual budget. And the dependence is going to increase further from 2024 onwards, when the next ICC funding cycle starts.

[pakhitheboss]

Sithara007, Certainly, India does not care about the money that they get from the ICC. And that instantly puts them in a position of power. That's because they are self-sufficient. But Pakistan is not like that. Pakistan has to care about the money that they get from the ICC. So, India is in an advantageous position right now. Because if they do not take part in the Asia cup, it is not going to matter too much for them. But if that happens and Pakistan also decides to not take part in the world cup, it is going to be very devastating for Pakistan.

It is not like India doesn't care about the funds from the ICC. At the moment, they get around $40 million per year from the ICC, which is a huge amount (although it comprises only 4% to 5% of the annual revenues for the BCCI). But the point is that BCCI can function without any issue even if the ICC funds are withheld and the same can't be said about Pakistan. PCB is till dependent on the grants from ICC for most of their annual budget. And the dependence is going to increase further from 2024 onwards, when the next ICC funding cycle starts.

I don't think that only PCB rely on funds from ICC. Except a few like India, Australia & England every other board depends on those funds. The biggest revenue generator for ICC is BCCI and it has now become so big that if India wants to move out of ICC many other countries would follow them and ICC would never want that to happen.

Good news for India. Sir Jadeja is playing Ranji match for Saurashtra and it looks like he's completely recovered and match fit.

Already took 7-fer in 2nd inning for his side against TN. Feeling a little bit safe in regard to his fitness and in the context of BGT. 

That is a great news! He will be playing against Australia in the BGT and most of us would expecting an overall good performance by him in that tournament.

[Sithara007]

I don't think that only PCB rely on funds from ICC. Except a few like India, Australia & England every other board depends on those funds. The biggest revenue generator for ICC is BCCI and it has now become so big that if India wants to move out of ICC many other countries would follow them and ICC would never want that to happen.

This is why I have argued for more team from India in the ICC competitions. Look at the last T20 World Cup. United Arab Emirates was one of the participants and most of the team members were Indian citizens. What is the point in having such a team? A much better option would be to have the Indian U-23 team or the India A team to participate in the tournament. In this way, the ICC can maximize revenues from India and they can put an end to the sham of Arab teams fielding "national" team that are entirely comprised of foreigners.

[BobK71]

Pakistan can't afford to take any bold steps like not participating in world cup as they can't go against ICC but opposite is the case with India.
India will put immense pressure on ICC over this issue and make things according to their will.

India has been going through financial solvency for long time. The  large number of cricket market that India has captured is not possible for any other country. The opposite situation happen in the case of Pakistan. Presently Pakistan is in financial crisis. They would certainly never want to make such a big loss. However, it is heard that if the Asia Cup is not held in Pakistan, Pakistan cricket will also not participate in the ODI World Cup in India. However, all the cricket lovers want the upcoming ODI World Cup to be held participating by both countries.

I think India should tour Pakistan and give spectators a chance of seeing Pakistan vs India match in Pakistan. There are rivalries between different nations of the world but when it comes to sports than government usually separates them. But this is not the case in India Pakistan cricket boards. Both boards are waiting for signal from there governments about what to do about Asia and ODI world cup. India no doubt is in better position then Pakistan.

If Pakistan gets into such disputes with India, it will be a suicidal decision for Pakistan cricket, even if it has no implications for India. If Pakistan does not participate in the ODI World Cup, they may face a major restriction from the ICC. But these issues are easily resolved when the venue of the Asia Cup is changed. India is always capable from all aspects but for the sake of cricket the side of justice should be considered.