The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is under scrutiny as cricket broadcasters Adam Collins and Geoff Lemon criticize the scheduling decisions for the ICC World Cup 2023. The controversy stems from BCCI Secretary Jay Shah’s announcement of changes in certain fixtures for the showpiece event. Specifically, the high-profile India vs Pakistan match, initially set for October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, will be moved to a day earlier to accommodate the Navratri festival.
The BCCI has faced criticism from several member boards, causing uncertainty in the World Cup schedule. Broadcasters Geoff Lemon and Adam Collins have not held back in their criticism, labeling the BCCI as an “incompetent sporting body” for the disruptions and lack of reliable fixture planning, especially with only under three months left until the tournament.
The broadcasters expressed their concerns over the changing schedule of the 50-over men’s World Cup, slated for October-November this year, as a result of host boards expressing that the initial schedule does not work.
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During The Final Word podcast, broadcaster Adam Collins mocked the BCCI, saying, “There are too many logistical hurdles you’re making us jump through here. You’ve got to give us more time for travel and so on.” He highlighted that the BCCI is considering these concerns from host boards.
Agreeing with Collins, Geoff Lemon also criticized the Indian cricket board, describing it as incompetent for its handling of the situation.
Geoff Lemon expressed his frustration with the BCCI during The Final Word podcast, stating, “The BCCI, I think, must be the most incompetent major sporting body in the world. It’s pretty hard to make an argument otherwise, just purely on practical grounds that we’re laying here.”
He further criticized the lack of a reliable fixture for the World Cup, which is just under three months away, making it difficult for fans to plan their travel and attendance. Lemon pointed out that the uncertainty of match locations and dates hampers fans’ ability to book tickets. He clarified that he doesn’t see the BCCI as evil but rather as an organization that struggles with executing tasks effectively.