Speaking at an ICC event prior to the World Test Championship final between India and Australia, Ponting raised the issue of players from the West Indies opting for franchise cricket over international duty due to financial reasons. He emphasised the need to address this disparity, stating, “Their payment system in the Caribbean compared to some of the franchise leagues, it doesn’t match up, and Sri Lanka will be the same and Bangladesh will be the same.”
Ponting revealed ongoing discussions within the ICC to tackle this issue, recognizing the organisation’s role in creating a more equitable payment structure. He suggested that equalising payments across international Test cricket would attract players from these nations and inspire them to represent their countries, adding, “There is a role to play for the ICC here… make the payments a bit more even across international Test cricket to attract players from these different countries who want to play for their country.”
While acknowledging that countries like India, England, and Australia offer better financial rewards for Test cricket, Ponting highlighted the enduring passion for the format among young cricketers in these nations. He stated, “In India, the feeling I get is that most of these youngsters aspire to wear the baggy blue cap, and the same in Australia.”
Ponting’s remarks underscore the need to address financial disparities and provide adequate incentives for players from smaller Test playing nations, ultimately ensuring the long-term viability and growth of Test cricket in the face of lucrative franchise leagues.
(With inputs from PTI)
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