Former England cricketer criticizes ‘fixing’ of India-Pak clashes in ICC events.
Cricket great David Lloyd has questioned the practice of pooling India and Pakistan in the same group by the ICC at major events, saying it amounts to “fixture fixing”.
Despite the bilateral impasse, the arch-rivals have met at every World Cup, and Champions Trophy since 2013 thanks to the formatting.
But Lloyd feels the “romance” of such clashes diminishes if they are pre-scheduled to clash. “You can’t fix fixtures. That’s something we strictly guard against,” the veteran commented.
The former coach also slammed the lack of forethought in the ongoing T20 World Cup, where tight turnarounds have compromised fairness.
India getting preferential treatment with day matches has also attracted criticism. Lloyd said commercial motives should not override the competition’s integrity.
He expressed disappointment with manipulated scheduling benefiting viewers in just one country. The operating group must focus on the fans and teams instead, Lloyd suggested.
The scheduling for different semi-final reserve days while ignoring playing conditions has similarly dissatisfied observers. As the debate rages on the handling of India-Pakistan games, Lloyd’s views have found support from others advocating a level playing field for all teams.
