Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah Ul Haq reckons the ICC should look at extending the duration of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
The former captain believes that would allow the currently suspended fixtures to be eventually played in near future and count as norm towards the final nine-team league standings.
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Cricket Boards of England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh have suspended their immediate Test assignments in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the likelihood of West Indies joining them in the coming days.
India, the table-topper, isn't due to play next until the tour of Australia in December-January. Even South Africa and New Zealand remain free till July-August.
"I just think that all teams must get equal opportunities in the championship even if matches are rescheduled," said Misbah during a video conference with the media on Tuesday (March 31).
"Whenever cricket resumes all teams should get equal opportunity in the ICC World Test Championship to try to play in the final. The tournament can be extended beyond 2021."
The ICC is expected to have discussions on the issue with its full-member boards at the best possible opportunity. "The tournament should be extended, that is my view," Misbah stressed. "That is the only way we can find and end the event in a balanced way. Matches can be rescheduled if the event is extended."
With Pakistan fifth in the table, and due to next travel to England for a difficult tour in the latter half of the English summer, Misbah has been communicating with his players even in this phase, asking to keep themselves mentally and physically ready for the next big challenge.
"I have been in touch with most of the players including centrally contracted players…even trainer is in touch with them…we are giving them and sending them plans according to their equipment at home to remain in shape as a team."
"I want the physical condition of players to be what is required in Test cricket whenever cricket resumes," he added.
Cricketers from England, Australia are expecting major pay cut from their salaries as respective boards look to make up for the losses they are suffering. In Pakistan, the existing central contracts are due to expire in June. And if the situation doesn't improve, the national side might also have to endure the same.
"When new contracts come we will see situation and take the right decisions and players will have to understand and it will not be a one-way decision…everyone is mentally ready for this situation," Misbah said.
(Inputs from PTI)
