ICC positive about retaining all-format players despite packed schedule

Several international players including Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes, and Jos Butter among others have openly talked about pressure due to the hectic cricket schedule. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is positive about retaining the game’s all-format players for international fixtures.

It must be noted that England’s prominent all-rounder Ben Stokes recently announced his retirement from the ODI format to manage his workload. He also emphasized the fact that an excessive cricket schedule takes a toll on players’ mental and physical health.

Meanwhile, ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice has said that there is no shortage of demand for international cricket among the members.

There’ll still be all-format players: ICC chief Geoff Allardice

“Whether they play every match that their country schedules in those formats are a different question. Prioritizing various formats was not a new phenomenon and the current calendar had backlogs from when the pandemic had caused several series to be postponed,” said Allardice as quoted by TOI.

“It’s a case of finding that balance in how they spend their calendar year, across which international competitions, which series, and which leagues they should play. Besides, it was not a universal problem. There are only some countries that are going to need to do that. There’s a lot of countries wanting international fixtures.” Allardice also emphasized the fact that it is up to players’ boards to handle the issue at their level.

“There’s no shortage of demand for international cricket among the members. As for players’ workload, it was for individual boards to handle the issue. The management of their players, it’s not something that necessarily bounces off to the ICC on any sort of regular basis,” Allardice added.

Meanwhile, the ICC will be organizing a T20 World Cup this year in Australia with all prominent players playing for their country. Australia won the last T20 World Cup and they will back themselves to win another one. Team India and England are also considered favourites to win the competition.