David Lloyd Criticizes ICC’s Scheduling for England’s Cricket Fixtures
Former England cricketer David Lloyd has openly criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) for its handling of the national men’s team’s schedule, claiming that the governing body prioritizes monetary gain over fan engagement. Lloyd’s sharp remarks came in the wake of England’s relentless itinerary, which saw the team playing multiple formats back-to-back without adequate rest or preparation.
Lloyd pointed out that England’s home Test series against Sri Lanka concluded on September 9, only for the team to immediately transition to a white-ball series against Australia starting September 11. This tight scheduling left selectors with no choice but to rest senior players. Following the completion of the white-ball series on September 29, the Test team resumed action just days later, embarking on an away series against Pakistan on October 7.
Lloyd underlined, “The ICC knows the price of everything, but the value of nothing,” underscoring the division between the cricket community and the regulating body. Saying, “It should be quality over quantity, but it is the other way around with them,” he bemoaned the difficulty fans are having organising their attendance at matches because of the hectic schedule. It now seems difficult for devoted fans to plan vacations and keep up with their clubs because of the constantly changing schedules, he said.
Lloyd also criticized the uncertainty regarding match broadcasts, stating that fans were left in the dark about whether they would even be able to watch the series. “Until last week, England’s armchair fans didn’t even know if they were going to be able to watch this series at all,” he remarked, questioning the professionalism of those involved in the scheduling decisions.
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Furthermore, he argued that the current schedule does not allow teams sufficient preparation time, as there are no warm-up matches before significant tours. Lloyd fondly recalled his experiences touring Pakistan, highlighting it as a wonderful destination that is often overlooked. “Because of the schedule, teams have no time to prepare properly now,” he said, underscoring the need for a more thoughtful approach to scheduling that considers both teams’ and fans’ needs.
In conclusion, Lloyd’s critique serves as a stark reminder of the need for the ICC to balance commercial interests with the values that make cricket enjoyable for its most ardent supporters.
