CA follows BCCI's footsteps to object ICC's new FTP calendar
What's the story
While the International Cricket Council (ICC) is looking to popularize the game by introducing more global tournaments, the full-time members might be having second thoughts about it. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already objected to the proposed new Future Tour Program (FTP) calendar, Cricket Australia (CA), too, has joined the frame. Here's more on what CA has said.
New FTP
ICC looking to introduce eight men's yearly events, BCCI objects
In an ICC meeting in Dubai, earlier this month, it was decided that the new FTP, starting in 2023, would see eight men's events until 2031 (one per year), as a part of their next broadcast cycle. BCCI CEO Rahul Johri expressed concerns on the same as it would affect their finances from the media rights, asides aggravating player burnouts.
CA apprehensive
CA chief apprehensive about ICC's new FTP model
Speaking on the new ICC FTP model, CA chief Kevin Roberts expressed his apprehensions and said that the proposal would be discussed in the coming months. "In this last cycle on the men's side, I think we've had six world events in the eight years, whereas the previous cycle, we had one event per year, along with the Champions Trophy," he told SEN Radio.
Quote
We need a healthy balance of World Cups: Roberts
"We need a healthy balance of World Cups along with international cricket that occurs between World Cups and the space for great domestic leagues like the BBL and the IPL to thrive into the future," said Roberts.
ICC calendar
Roberts to discuss how ICC events would occupy the calendar
Roberts further explained that the main area of discussion on the topic would be regarding how would the upcoming ICC events occupy the calendar. "How many days of the calendar does that represent and how do we ensure the bilateral international cricket between ourselves and other nations is really embraced and respected in the process?" Roberts wondered.
Information
Confirmed ICC events so far
While ICC is working on the new FTP model, starting 2023, following are the confirmed men's ICC events so far: ICC World T20 (2020), ICC World T20 (2021), ICC World Test Championship Final (2021), ICC World Cup (2023) and ICC World T20 (2024).
Author's take
Is ICC's new FTP model a viable option
The ICC is doing a commendable job so far to globalize the sport and the introduction of new tournaments is one of the ways forward to it. While a few member boards might have objected to it, the author finds no harm in playing an ICC event every year, as it would certainly increase the competitiveness in the sport.