Johnny Grave believed that there was a serious flaw in the revenue-sharing arrangement between the major cricket boards. In addition, he believed that in the years to come, bilateral cricket should adopt a new mentality. Remarkably, Cricket West Indies requested in 2018 that the number of international players in the several T20 leagues played worldwide be limited.
The CEO of Cricket West Indies (CWI) issued a cautionary statement to major cricketing nations such as Australia, England, and India. Johnny Grave expressed his opinion that the boards of England, India, and Australia ought to take significant action to transform the Test cricket industry in response to criticism directed towards his board and Cricket South Africa (CSA).
Nevertheless, the ILT20, which permits nine international players in a lineup, was not covered by those laws. Regarding the same, Johnny Grave stated that the effect of the ILT20 on bilateral cricket may have been significantly altered if those rules had been implemented.
“If those regulations had been in place, the ILT20 probably wouldn’t have had the effect it has had on bilateral international cricket because it wouldn’t have had as many international players, therefore wouldn’t have got the broadcast revenues and probably wouldn’t be offering the kinds of money they are offering,” Johnny Grave stated.
“We need to change the mindset of bilateral cricket,” Grave was cited by ESPNcricinfo as stating, “because the revenue-share model is completely broken and as a cricketing community we are only as strong as the weakest team.”
To Steve Waugh, I would say this: CWI invested $2 million to help Australian cricket, and we have received no reimbursement. Johnny Grave
Other than Johnny Grave also highlighted how Test cricket is becoming a much worse format and how many teams are forced to start young players without international experience since their senior players are either playing in franchise league competitions or the shorter format. Notably, several of the West Indies’ more seasoned players will not be traveling with them, and the team will play Australia in a Test series with seven uncapped players. Pundits including as Steve Waugh expressed disapproval of the Windies, arguing that they are not putting themselves to the test. But Grave had a perfect response to that as well.
“I would tell Steve Waugh that, in the last four months, CWI has spent $2 million to support Australian cricket, and we have received no reimbursement.” Is that realistic and fair? said Grave.
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