Misbah wants ICC to extend pandemic affected World Test Championship cycle

The Pakistan head coach batted for a fair conclusion to the league despite COVID-19 disruptions.

By Kashish Chadha - 23 Oct, 2020

Pakistan head coach Misbah Ul Haq once again batted for an extension to the ongoing cycle of the World Test Championship after reports emerged that the ICC is desperate to see its scheduled end in June next year. 

As per the ESPNcricinfo report on Thursday (October 22), the governing body is contemplating the option of splitting points for the postponed bilateral series, with the other possibility being accounting only those matches that are played by the end of March 2021 in a win-percentage based points model. 

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The nine-team league, where teams face six mutually decided oppositions over the course of two years before the top two contest the marquee final at Lord's, has had multiple rubbers suspended by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Misbah, however, asked the authorities to ensure the sanctity of the competition is maintained and all teams are given a fair chance of winning it. 

"The Covid-19 situation has hit the World Test Championship series but I would still prefer to see the ICC complete the championship with all teams completing their scheduled matches," Misbah said in an interview on the 'Cricket Baaz' channel on YouTube.

"I think the matches can be rescheduled because every team should get a fair chance to take a shot at qualifying for the final."

Pakistan have had their fixture-list going relatively unscathed, with the tours to Australia, England being held and only one postponed Test against Bangladesh yet not rescheduled. Other countries, though, haven't been so fortunate. 

"It is now up to the ICC. I don't know how they will manage things and I hope it is for the best, but personally I would think all teams would want a proper closure of the championship," Misbah added.

(Inputs from PTI)

By Kashish Chadha - 23 Oct, 2020

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