Cricket

T20 World Cup 2024: Controversial LBW Decision Sparks Debate in India vs. Australia MatchThe T20 World Cup 2024 witnessed a contentious LBW decision that sparked controversy during the match between India and Australia on Sunday. In the 17th over of Australia's innings, Phoebe Litchfield attempted a reverse sweep off Deepti Sharma's bowling but missed the ball completely. The on-field umpire initially ruled Litchfield out LBW, but the third umpire overturned the decision after determining that the ball had pitched outside the leg stump line.The Indian fielders, led by Smriti Mandhana, were visibly frustrated by the decision. They argued that Litchfield had changed her batting stance for the delivery and should have been treated as a right-hander, which would have meant the ball pitched on her leg stump.However, according to the official cricket rules, the definition of off and on sides does not change even if the batter alters their stance while playing a switch hit. As the ball pitched outside Litchfield's leg stump, she could not be dismissed LBW.The incident highlighted the complexities of the LBW rule and the challenges umpires face in making split-second decisions. The MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club), the governing body of cricket, clarified that the off side of the wicket is determined by the batter's batting position at the moment the ball comes into play for that delivery.The controversial decision ultimately had a significant impact on the match. India lost to defending champions Australia by nine runs in their last group match, putting their chances of qualifying for the semifinals in jeopardy.

The upcoming Lord's Test between India and England has sparked controversy over its exorbitant ticket prices, despite a lukewarm response to the recent Test against Sri Lanka. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owner of Lord's, has faced criticism for its pricing strategy, which has seen a significant increase compared to previous matches.The five-match Test series between India and England commences on June 20, with the third game scheduled at Lord's from July 10. The cheapest tickets for the Lord's Test are priced at £90, offering restricted views. For unrestricted views, fans will have to pay between £120 and £175, according to ESPNcricinfo.In contrast, tickets with restricted views for the Test against Sri Lanka last month ranged from £115 to £140. The match ended on day four with only 9,000 spectators in attendance, filling just one-third of the stadium's capacity.Former England cricketer David Lloyd has vehemently criticized the increased ticket prices. "No doubt Lord's will still be full, but increasing ticket prices to a whopping £175 for next July's third Test between England and India beggars belief," Lloyd wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.Lloyd expressed concern that Test cricket is becoming an "elite showpiece," inaccessible to a wider cross-section of society. He questioned the decision-making process behind the pricing, asking, "Who actually sets the price? Name names. Who says: I think it should be X? And who responds: Aye, seems about right."Lloyd emphasized that the high ticket prices are out of reach for many fans. "I'm the voice of the everyday fan. So, the face value cost of attending a single day of a Lord's Test is utterly preposterous to me," he said.Social media has been flooded with comments from fans expressing their inability to afford the tickets. "Times are tough at the minute. I'm retired, and I can't justify £120-175 pound. That doesn't fit my priorities," Lloyd concluded.The MCC has yet to respond to the criticism, but the issue of ticket pricing is likely to continue to be a topic of debate as the Test series approaches.

Test Cricket's Future in Jeopardy as Ticket Prices SoarFormer England cricketer and commentator David Lloyd has raised concerns about the future of Test cricket, citing the exorbitant ticket prices for the upcoming third Test between England and India at Lord's next July.Ticket prices have skyrocketed, with the most expensive seats reaching an astonishing £175 (Rs 19,557). Even the most affordable seats available for the first three days come at a steep price of £90 (around Rs 10,000), and these seats offer limited visibility of the event.Lloyd expressed his dismay in a Daily Mail article, stating, "Paying that much for a seat where you can't see the entire field is ridiculous. What might you miss? The batsman? A catch down at fine leg?"He emphasized that Test cricket is in danger of becoming an event only for the elite, excluding regular fans who cannot afford such high prices. "Sure, it's fun to spot celebrities in the crowd, but cricket needs to cater to everyone, not just the rich," he said.Lloyd believes that Lord's is setting a trend for other cricket venues. If ticket prices at Lord's range from £120 – £175 (around Rs 13,000 -Rs 19,000), it could lead to similar pricing strategies being adopted by other grounds.He questioned the rationale behind the pricing, asking, "Who sets these prices? Who decides that £175 is fair? I'd love to know the answer."Lloyd highlighted the disparity between the luxurious experience at Lord's and the more affordable atmosphere at other grounds. "At Lord's, stewards collect champagne corks after every over. But, at places like Headingley, try throwing a can of Tetley's over the boundary and see what happens!"He concluded by expressing his concern for the everyday fan, who may be priced out of attending Test matches. "I'm speaking for the everyday fan. The kind who enjoys a football match with a pie and Bovril. For us, paying £120-£175 (for one day of cricket is outrageous. It feels like the MCC knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing. They're risking losing the connection between this great England team and the public."

Lord's Test Ticket Prices Soar Again, Sparking CriticismDespite facing backlash for exorbitant ticket prices during the recent Sri Lanka Test, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced another price hike for next year's Lord's Test against India.For the first three days of the India Test, starting July 10, 2024, the cheapest adult tickets are restricted-view seats priced at £90 each, while under-16s can purchase them for £20. Tickets with a clear line of sight range from £120 to £175 for adults and £40 to £50 for under-16s.These prices are significantly higher than those for the Sri Lanka Test in August 2023, where unrestricted views cost between £115 and £140 for adults and £15 to £40 for concessions.The Sri Lanka Test concluded on the fourth day, with only 9,000 tickets sold, approximately one-third of the stadium's capacity. This was partly attributed to England's fast-paced approach to Test cricket, resulting in several recent matches ending well before the final day.MCC faced further criticism for not offering reduced-entry options until after tea on the fourth day, when prices dropped to £15 for adults and £5 for under-16s. However, by that time, only three Sri Lanka wickets remained, and the lack of advance notice prevented a significant increase in attendance.England's stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, expressed disappointment over the subdued atmosphere during the Sri Lanka Test. "It was just like 'jeez, it seems quiet today'," he said. "It's a shame it wasn't a full house because it was obviously a good day's play."Despite MCC's announcement of a review into its fourth-day pricing policy, there is little concession for fans hoping to attend on that day for the India Test. Under-16s will be admitted for £25, half the cost of the first three days, but tickets with a full view will still cost £90 to £150.MCC's rationale is that India is now the second-biggest draw in the English Test calendar, behind Australia, and the prices reflect the expected demand. This policy is in line with other sports, where ticket prices are adjusted based on the popularity of the event.Lord's is also set to host the World Test Championship final in June 2025, which is likely to feature India and Australia, a rematch of the 2023 final. Tickets for that match are priced between £70 and £130 for adults and £20 to £50 for under-16s.England and India will also play a women's ODI at Lord's in 2025, with adult tickets ranging from £25 to £45. In contrast, the men's ODI against South Africa will cost between £75 and £150.

England's emphatic Test victory over Sri Lanka at Lord's was marred by a disappointing turnout, raising concerns about the affordability and accessibility of the format. Despite the team's impressive performance, thousands of tickets for the fourth day went unsold, leaving swathes of empty seats in the iconic stadium.The low attendance has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the high ticket prices, the accelerated pace of Test matches under the "Bazball" approach, and the heavy schedule of cricket this summer. England's dominant wins have often resulted in matches concluding earlier than expected, leaving fans feeling short-changed.Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), which owns Lord's, has acknowledged the issue and pledged to review fourth-day pricing. However, the club's reluctance to cut prices at short notice has drawn criticism, with some arguing that lower ticket prices could have attracted more fans and ultimately generated more revenue through matchday spending.The empty seats at Lord's stand in stark contrast to the packed crowds that attended the Hundred final at the same venue two weeks earlier. While the Hundred offers a more affordable and accessible alternative to Test cricket, it would be misleading to suggest that the difference in attendance reflects a shift in fan preferences.Despite the low turnout at Lord's, Test cricket remains popular in England. However, the empty seats serve as a reminder that fans are not willing to pay exorbitant prices for a format that is increasingly seen as inaccessible. If administrators want to ensure the long-term health of Test cricket, they must address the issue of affordability and find ways to make the format more appealing to a wider audience.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the esteemed custodian of cricket's laws and the iconic Lord's ground, is embarking on a new chapter with the departure of its chief executive, Guy Lavender. Lavender's resignation marks a significant transition for MCC, which has witnessed a recent turnover in key leadership positions.Lavender's tenure as CEO has been marked by notable achievements. He skillfully guided MCC through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the club's financial stability and the continuation of its redevelopment plans for Lord's. Under his leadership, MCC hosted major cricketing events, including the thrilling men's 50-over World Cup final in 2019.Lavender has also played a pivotal role in the ongoing discussions surrounding the future of The Hundred, a new cricket competition launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). MCC is set to acquire a 51% stake in the London Spirit franchise, with the remaining 49% to be sold centrally by the ECB.Bruce Carnegie-Brown, MCC's outgoing chairman, lauded Lavender's exceptional contributions as CEO. "Guy has been an outstanding CEO, leading MCC through a period of significant change and challenge," Carnegie-Brown said. "His achievements have been many, and he leaves MCC in a strong position."Lavender expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as MCC's CEO. "It has been an immense honor and privilege to have been CEO of this great club," he said. "I have every confidence that MCC will continue to thrive, thanks to the dedication and hard work of its staff and members."MCC has initiated the process of appointing Lavender's successor, with the nominations committee set to lead the search later this year. Lavender will continue to fulfill his duties during a transition period to ensure a smooth handover.

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) recently hosted a symposium to discuss the future of Test cricket and the potential role of the 20-overs format in expanding the sport's reach. One of the key suggestions was to limit Test cricket to a smaller number of teams, such as six or seven, to maintain a competitive landscape.The appeal of Test cricket has declined in recent years outside of traditional strongholds like India, England, and Australia. This decline has coincided with the rapid growth of lucrative T20 leagues worldwide. While Test cricket still offers thrilling moments, the shorter and more action-packed nature of T20 cricket has become increasingly popular with new fans.Former Indian player and coach Ravi Shastri emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive Test cricket landscape. He believes that restricting participation to stronger teams is the only way to achieve this. "When you don't have quality, that is when the ratings drop, there are fewer people in the crowd, its meaningless cricket, which is the last thing sport wants," Shastri said.Shastri proposed a two-tier system, with the top six or seven teams playing in a promotion and relegation format. This would ensure that only the strongest teams compete in Test cricket, maintaining its quality and appeal.Justin Langer, the former Australian batsman and coach, expressed his support for T20 leagues but emphasized the importance of safeguarding international cricket. He believes that international cricket has a significant impact on the younger generation, as evidenced by the recent performances of West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph.MCC President Mark Nicholas summarized the key points discussed, emphasizing that the opinions expressed were not intended to imply that Test cricket was unjustified. He acknowledged that cricket, like any other sport, requires financial resources to sustain its existence."T20 cricket is the behemoth that everybody wants," Nicholas said. "It is where the new market is, where the fans are and where the money is."The symposium highlighted the challenges facing Test cricket in the modern era. While T20 cricket continues to grow in popularity, it is essential to find ways to maintain the quality and appeal of Test cricket. Limiting participation to a smaller number of teams and implementing a promotion and relegation system could be potential solutions to ensure the future of the longest format of the game.

The Hundred, England's domestic 100-ball cricket competition, is attracting interest from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. According to Mark Nicholas, the MCC president and future chairman of London Spirit, five IPL teams have expressed a "soft" interest in acquiring a stake in the Lord's-based franchise.This development comes as MCC considers accepting the ECB's offer of a 51% stake in London Spirit as part of the Hundred's privatization drive. Under the proposed model, the eight Hundred "hosts" will receive majority stakes in their respective teams, with the ECB selling the remaining 49% to private investors through a bidding process.Nicholas emphasized the importance of member support for MCC's decision, describing the move towards private equity as a "monumental" step that will ultimately benefit cricket at all levels. He highlighted the global boom in cricket franchises and the need for English cricket to capitalize on this opportunity.The ECB has appointed Raine Group and Deloitte as advisors for the Hundred privatization. While there is no formal deadline, the ECB aims to finalize terms by the end of the year. However, Nicholas acknowledged that several issues still need to be resolved, including the bidding process and the rollout of franchises.The World Cricket Connects symposium, hosted by MCC on July 5, will provide a platform for influential figures in cricket to discuss the future of the game. BCCI secretary Jay Shah, senior IPL officials, and prominent current and former cricketers are expected to attend. Nicholas believes it is crucial to listen to the voices of potential bidders, who have driven the success of cricket franchises worldwide.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is seeking member approval for its proposed 51% stake in the London Spirit franchise of the Hundred. The club's committee has expressed support for the ECB's plan to attract private investment in the tournament's eight teams.MCC's chief executive, Guy Lavender, outlined the committee's position in a letter to members. He emphasized the potential for the Hundred to grow the men's and women's game. While some hosts may sell part or all of their stake, MCC intends to retain its majority ownership.However, MCC has made it clear that member approval is crucial. An SGM will be held on September 9 for members to vote on the club's acceptance of the 51% equity share. The results will be announced a week later.MCC will retain the right to veto any potential minority shareholder in London Spirit. Lavender stressed that the decision is not about accepting the highest bidder but finding a partner who aligns with MCC's values and expertise.The London Spirit franchise is expected to be the most valuable due to its association with Lord's. Andrew Umbers, co-founder of Oakwell Sports Advisory, believes the scarcity premium of the two London teams makes it a lucrative investment.Other Hundred-hosting counties are evaluating their positions on the competition's future. Hampshire is a private club, but the remaining six counties have not yet publicly committed to giving members a direct vote on the Hundred's privatization.MCC's decision to seek member approval has been praised by the County Cricket Members Group. Coordinator Alan Higham believes it demonstrates the club's recognition of the significance of the decision for the game as a whole.