Steve Waugh Slams ICC, BCCI For Ignoring Test Cricket

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for neglecting the Test format. Australian legend, who has been tagged with the badge of greatest all-rounder in world cricket, raised a flag to save the longest format. Not just the cricket governing body, Waugh also hit out at major cricket boards including the BCCI to prioritize its T20 league and not to strengthen the roots of cricket.

In his latest remark, the former cricketer said South Africa's decision to prioritize its T20 league over Test cricket, resulted in a weakened squad with seven debutants and a new captain for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.

According to Cricket South Africa's rule, players in contract with SA20 franchises are not eligible to play Test format.

"Obviously, they don't care. It's going to happen if the South African cricket board are any indication of the future, keeping their best players at home," Waugh told an English daily.

"If I was New Zealand, I wouldn't even play the series. I don't know why they're even playing. Why would you when it shows a lack of respect for New Zealand cricket?" Waugh said while raising his concern.

"Is this a defining moment in the death of Test cricket? Surely the ICC along (with) the cricket boards of India, England, and Australia must step in to protect the purest form of the game," the former cricketer said.

"History and tradition must count for something. If we stand by and allow profits to be the defining criteria, the legacy of (Sir Don) Bradman, (WG) Grace, and (Sir Garfield) Sobers will be irrelevant," he wrote.

Waugh also warned of future consequences saying, "If the ICC or someone doesn't step in shortly then Test cricket doesn't become Test cricket because you're not testing yourself against the best players,"