'It is confusing and difficult to understand' - Virat Kohli slams ICC for new WTC point system

Indian cricket team skipper Virat Kohli criticised the latest changes by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in the rules to determine the finalists of the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC). Earlier it was suggested that the two teams having the maximum points on the points tally would make it to the finals, however, owing to the halt in the cricket activities due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, ICC changed the competition terms.

According to the new rules, the teams will be ranked in the order of percentage earned from the matches contested. With this change, the Indian team, who was topping the table, dropped to second place while Australia are at the top of the points table.

Speaking about the changes, ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney had said, “Both the Cricket Committee and Chief Executives Committee supported the approach of ranking teams based on completed matches and points earned as this reflects their performance and doesn’t disadvantage teams that have been unable to complete all of their matches through no fault of their own.

“We explored a whole range of options, but our Members felt strongly that we should proceed as planned with the first-ever World Test Championship Final in June next year,” he had added.

Virat Kohli opens up on new rules for World Test Championship

Detailing his opinion on the new rule system, Indian skipper Virat Kohli stated that the change has left him surprised as it was a sudden call by the apex body and no clarity was provided to the players. The 32-year-old further added that it would have been better if these changes were explained in the beginning. He also urged the authorities to pose questions to the governing body regarding the new rules.

“It is definitely surprising because we were told that points were the matter of contention for the top two teams qualifying in the World Test Championship and now suddenly, it has become percentage,” said the Indian captain.

“It is confusing and difficult to understand why, and if these things were explained to us from day one, it would have been easier for us to understand the reasons. It has happened out of nowhere. Further questions about this should be asked to the ICC and understand why this has been done and what are the reasons behind it,” he added.