India holds a pivotal role in safeguarding the future of Test cricket, particularly in regions like the West Indies, according to Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave. Despite a demanding schedule, Grave commends the BCCI's unwavering commitment to the format. However, he emphasizes the need for the ICC to take proactive measures to protect Test cricket beyond the traditional strongholds of India, England, and Australia.
In the current World Test Championship cycle, only three of the nine ICC Full Members (India, England, and Australia) will engage in five-match series. Three teams (Ireland, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe) have yet to participate in the championship since its inception in 2019.
Grave believes India's influence and resources position them as a leader in promoting Test cricket. He highlights their support for the reintroduction of cricket into the Olympics, a move that has significantly benefited Associate nations.
Regarding the financial challenges faced by the CWI, Grave advocates for centralized travel costs within the World Test Championship. He argues that the burden of travel expenses should be shared among participating teams, fostering a sense of unity and reducing the financial strain on individual boards.
The upcoming T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the West Indies and USA, is expected to provide a significant economic boost to the region. Grave estimates a potential revenue of US$300 million, which will contribute to the CWI's financial stability.
Grave also emphasizes the importance of equitable revenue sharing within the ICC, particularly regarding the distribution of hosting rights for major events. He believes that spreading these events across multiple nations will not only provide financial benefits but also create a more level playing field.
Tags: #TestCricket, #India, #CWI, #ICC, #WorldTestChampionship
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