Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris on Friday (August 19) stated that he is in favor of the Indian Premier League's two-and-a-half-month slot in the new cycle of the Future Tour Programs (FTP).
The Men's Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the 2023–2027 period was released earlier this week by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and it was made clear that the Indian Premier League (IPL) would begin hosting its tournament during an extended two-and-a-half-month window starting next year.
“I remember 10 years ago the conversation was all around how it was going to creep four or five days each year and it will get to a three-month season. Well, we're starting to get there now. It's just taking a little longer than we expected, and I think you're right. I think it will become the focal point that will allow all the players from all over the world to come together and play without any issues from a nationality perspective. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. I was in favor of it 10 years ago and I'm in favor of it now," said Styris on Sports 18's show 'Sports Over The Top'.
Styris further said that there is nothing surprising in that India, Australia, and England have always got the larger share of Tests in the new FTP as that is where the money comes from.
“What I'll say is that it's been that way for as long as I can remember. You know, there are certain teams that get 3, 4, or 5 match series. New Zealand for the most part, only ever get two-match series with the odd three. So, I'm not sure why the surprise is there. It's the big three teams and you understand why. That's where the money in world cricket comes from. But you know, it's very, very tough thing to have a meaningful competition when teams play different amounts of games," he said.
"Think about the English Premier League. Football's big in India. You know you don't see Man United play Liverpool five times and yet Burnley plays West Ham just once. You know it's an even playing field. Everybody plays everybody the same amount of time. So in a perfect world, I would love to see that being the case. But sometimes money talks and therefore those big marquee teams need to play," he added.
Between 2023 and 2027, India will compete in 20 Test matches combined against Australia and England. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will now feature five instead of four Tests.
In the IPL 2022, two franchises made their debut, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. The Titans, led by all-rounder Hardik Pandya, played outstandingly well and the season ended with them lifting the title.
(NEWS18 INPUTS)
