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Ricky Ponting Advocates ICC Intervention to Tackle Test Cricket Pay Disparities

image-lhvoxycsIndia share a large chunk of revenue in ICC [Twitter]

In a thought-provoking address at an event organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) ahead of the highly anticipated World Test Championship final between India and Australia, former Australian captain, Ricky Ponting, emphasized the ICC's crucial role in mitigating the prevailing pay disparities that plague Test cricket. Ponting cited West Indies as a prime example, where financial considerations have led players to prioritize franchise cricket over international duties.

When queried about the aspirations of budding cricketers to engage in the traditional five-day format amidst the overwhelming allure of T20 leagues, the legendary batter highlighted the differing responses observed across different nations. He underscored the mounting challenges faced in nurturing young talents in West Indies, who yearn to don the white flannels and embrace the rigorous demands of Test cricket.

"That question has a different answer in different countries. It has become increasingly difficult to groom the youngsters in the Caribbean for instance who want to chase the dream of playing Test cricket," said Ponting.

Lamenting the inadequacy of the remuneration system in the Caribbean, Ponting also extended this concern to nations such as Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, where similar disparities prevail.

"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," added the former World Cup winning skipper.

Drawing attention to the monetary allure in cricketing powerhouses like India, England, and Australia, Ponting acknowledged the generous compensation bestowed upon players playing Test cricket. He added that aspiring to represent their countries in the longest format of the game remains a cherished ambition for most cricketers hailing from these nations. 

Encouraging the ICC to confront this issue head-on, the venerable 48-year-old emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap to entice players from diverse backgrounds to embrace national duty.

Ponting further beseeched the apex cricketing body to establish a more equitable payment structure across international Test cricket as it would invigorate cricketers worldwide, instilling within them the motivation to proudly don their national colours.