Mickey Arthur, the director of cricket for Pakistan, believes it's unjust to initiate a witch hunt, as captain Babar Azam and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq have faced harsh criticism from various quarters due to the team's lacklustre performance in the ongoing World Cup. Read more on TOI
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Cricket 2023: Unfair to Start? The year 2023 is just around the corner, and with it comes the excitement and anticipation of the Cricket World Cup. The pinnacle of the sport, the World Cup is a tournament that brings together the best cricketing nations from around the globe to compete for the ultimate prize. However, as the countdown to 2023 begins, there are growing concerns about the fairness of starting the tournament. One of the main reasons why it is deemed unfair to start the Cricket World Cup in 2023 is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on the global sporting calendar, with numerous tournaments being postponed or canceled altogether. Cricket has not been immune to these disruptions, with series and tournaments being rescheduled or played behind closed doors. In such a scenario, starting the World Cup in 2023 would be unfair to teams that have not had ample opportunities to prepare and compete in the lead-up to the tournament. Furthermore, the pandemic has had a significant impact on the financial stability of cricket boards and players alike. Many cricket boards have faced financial constraints due to the lack of revenue from ticket sales and broadcasting rights. This has resulted in reduced funding for grassroots development and player welfare programs. Starting the World Cup in 2023 without addressing these financial issues would not only be unfair to the players but also detrimental to the overall growth and sustainability of the sport. Another aspect that makes it unfair to start the Cricket World Cup in 2023 is the lack of equal opportunities for all participating teams. Cricket is a sport that is heavily dependent on bilateral series and tours for teams to gain experience and improve their rankings. However, due to the pandemic, many teams have missed out on crucial series and match practice. This puts them at a significant disadvantage compared to teams that have had more opportunities to prepare and fine-tune their skills. Starting the World Cup without considering these disparities would undermine the integrity of the tournament and the sport as a whole. It is also important to consider the mental and physical well-being of the players. The pandemic has not only disrupted their training and competitive schedules but also subjected them to extended periods of isolation and uncertainty. Many players have had to deal with the stress and anxiety of living in bio-secure bubbles, away from their families and support systems. Starting the World Cup without allowing players sufficient time to recuperate and rejuvenate would be unfair and could potentially lead to burnout or injuries. In conclusion, starting the Cricket World Cup in 2023 without addressing the concerns raised by the ongoing pandemic would be unfair to the teams, players, and the sport itself. It is crucial that cricket boards and governing bodies take into account the impact of the pandemic on the global cricketing landscape and make informed decisions that prioritize fairness and the well-being of all involved. Only by doing so can we ensure a truly competitive and memorable World Cup in 2023.