India let down Test Cricket due to IPL, says former England cricketer

Ex-England cricketer Paul Newman has pointed out that the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) prioritizes the Indian Premier League (IPL) over international cricket, specifically Test cricket.

Undoubtedly, IPL, the world’s cash richest league is the most extraordinary T20 tournament in the world. However, due to the fact that the window keeps on extending, and now will occupy a two-and-a-half-month window in ICC FTP, the league is criticized by many.

Newman, highlighting the ongoing rescheduled India vs England fifth Test match, which is the residue of last year’s series, says the players were not committed to playing the final Test due to IPL. He believes IPL was the reason why the board let down Test cricket last year and says all the blame was put on COVID.

“The arrival of India to complete a Test series that should have ended at Old Trafford last summer is a reminder of how they let down the paying public and Test cricket by pulling out of the final game on the morning of the match. It was laughable when the cancellation was blamed on Covid concerns and a game India never wanted to play was abandoned when they put the IPL before Test cricket and set a dangerous precedent,”

He is not the only one to note the same thing but the ex-BBC commentator Michael Vaughan thought the same back in time. After BCCI called off Ind vs Eng 5th Test, which is now taking place in England, Vaughan tweeted, “IPL teams chartering planes .. 6 days quarantining required in the UAE .. 7 days till the tournament starts !!!! Don’t tell me the Test was cancelled for any other reason but the IPL ..”

It must be noted that after concluding the Test match, Ind vs Eng series will see three T20Is and as many ODIs to conclude the tour.

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