Ranatunga feels ICC is not serious about Test Cricket

Ranatunga feels ICC is not serious about Test Cricket: While India and Sri Lanka have been engaged in a hard-fought Test series, the attendance for these matches has been disappointing to say the least. In fact, the P Sara Oval, venue of Kumar Sangakkara’s farewell Test – struggled to fill its 7,000-seat capacity on most days. Former Sri Lanka captain and current member of Sri Lankan parliament Arjuna Ranatunga believes the International Cricket Council (ICC) is to be blamed for the diminishing interest in Test cricket. “We have two top teams in action, playing some exciting cricket, but still we don’t have crowds. I have doubts whether the present ICC regime wants to do anything to save Test cricket. It’s all about making money for them, which comes through ODIs and T20s,” Ranatunga was quoted as saying by the TOI on Friday. “If this attitude of ICC doesn’t change very soon, I don’t see a very bright future for Test cricket or the sport in general,” the 1996 World Cup-winning captain said. Over the last few years, teams are struggling to win away from home. When in their territory they look unbeatable, but as soon as they cross boundaries, the story is totally different. Ranatunga believes shortened tours in the FTP are a reason for this disconnect. “Most of the cricket boards just want to finish tours early. As teams don’t play enough practice games, they are less acclimatized to alien conditions. That’s why you see so many one-sided home series,” the 51-year-old said. Ranatunga was also critical of the declining technique among batsman. “The technique of batsmen has gone down substantially. Apart from teams like England, Australia and to some extent South Africa, most of the other teams are concentrating too much on the shorter format. The batsmen get exposed in Test cricket,” he said. Offering his views on the ongoing India Sri Lanka series the legendary Lankan leader felt Angelo Mathews’ side has managed to match up to India in every department. “Test cricket is not only about winning sessions. The final result is what counts and the series is locked at 1-1 currently. It doesn’t matter that India have won more sessions in this series,” he said. Finally, asked about the future of Lankan cricket now that Kumar Sangakkara has called it quits, Ranatunga said, “Top players come and go in international cricket. I think we have a huge talent pool in junior cricket. We are still producing quality cricketers like Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. There will always be replacements.”

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Ranatunga feels ICC is not serious about Test Cricket

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