Sports

Steve Waugh Decries ‘Disrespectful’ South African Test Squad, Calls on ICC and Major Boards to Preserve Test Cricket Legacy

Former Australian captain Steve Waugh expressed frustration on Monday after Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced a second-string Test squad with seven uncapped players, including a new captain, for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand. Waugh deemed the move “disrespectful” and called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) and major cricket boards, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), to intervene and preserve the sanctity of Test cricket.

The prominent players from South Africa, currently engaged in a series against India, are contractually obligated to participate in the second season of the SA20. This franchise-based T20 league, launched by CSA in collaboration with investors from the Indian Premier League (IPL), clashes with the dates of the New Zealand tour. According to CSA rules, players contracted to SA20 franchises cannot be considered for Test selection, resulting in the selection of a weakened squad.

“They don’t seem to care. It’s disheartening if the South African cricket board is an indication of the future, keeping their best players at home,” Waugh stated in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald. Expressing his dismay, he questioned the rationale behind New Zealand even participating in the series, given what he perceives as a lack of respect for New Zealand cricket.

Taking to Instagram initially to voice his concerns, Waugh raised fears about the potential irrelevance of the legacy of cricket legends such as Don Bradman, WG Grace, and Sir Garfield Sobers. He called for the ICC and cricket boards of India, England, and Australia to intervene, emphasizing the importance of history and tradition in preserving Test cricket.

Waugh proposed that the ICC or leading cricket boards establish a regulated fee for Test cricket to incentivize players and prevent the decline of the format. He argued that without proper compensation, players are inclined to opt for shorter formats like T10 or T20. Waugh stressed that the public would be the ultimate sufferers as the absence of full-strength teams diminishes the essence of Test cricket.

Also read: David Warner Announces ODI Retirement Ahead Of Swansong Test

Highlighting a broader concern, Waugh pointed out that not only South Africa but also Pakistan and the West Indies did not send their complete squads to Australia for Test series, raising apprehensions about the continuation of this trend.

Kavya Bhatt

Recent Posts

Amba Stavam Is A Supernatural Experience, Listen To It: PM Modi On Chaitra Navratri

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended wishes on Chaitra Navratri's fourth day, highlighting devotees'…

29 mins ago

Bharat Express CMD Upendrra Rai And Prominent Leaders Celebrate Eid Together At Shahnawaz Hussain’s Eid Milan

Former Union Minister and BJP National Spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain organized an Eid Milan program at…

44 mins ago

IPL 2025: RCB vs GT Clash – Match Time, Venue, & Head-To-Head Stats

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 14…

1 hour ago

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2025: A Beacon Of Justice, Equity, And Clarity For India’s Future

In a diverse and dynamic nation like India, managing Waqf properties requires a careful balance…

2 hours ago

Markets Open Higher As Heavyweights Lift Sentiment; Midcaps & Smallcaps Under Pressure

Indian stock markets started on a positive note, driven by gains in key stocks such…

2 hours ago

Justice Chandra Dhari Singh Bids Farewell To Delhi High Court As He Returns To Allahabad High Court

Justice Chandra Dhari Singh bid farewell to the Delhi High Court as the Center transferred…

3 hours ago