In a passionate outburst, Sri Lanka‘s star all-rounder Angelo Mathews has voiced his concerns regarding the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) scheduling policies, which he believes are undermining the future of Test cricket. With only four Test matches scheduled for Sri Lanka in 2025 and six in 2026, Mathews’ frustrations reflect a growing sentiment among players and fans alike about the diminishing opportunities for the longest format of the game.

Angelo Mathews reacts on disheartening reality of Sri Lanka’s Test schedule

Mathews took to social media to express his disbelief at the stark reduction in Test matches, tweeting, “Absolutely shocking to hear that Sri Lanka is only playing 4 test matches this entire year, including the Australia Tests this month. @ICC.”

Absolutely shocking to hear that srilanka is only playing 4 test matches this entire year including the aus tests this month @ICC .

— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) January 6, 2025

His remarks underline a broader issue within international cricket, where shorter formats often overshadow traditional Test matches, leading to a significant imbalance in scheduling. In an interview with a Sri Lankan newspaper, Mathews elaborated on his discontent. He emphasized that the current scheduling not only hampers players’ careers but also disrupts the rhythm essential for maintaining form.

“It’s really disheartening to wait a year between Tests. Cricket is about rhythm, and such long breaks disrupt everything, affecting playersâ€?careers. I hope ICC and SLC will look into this and work out a much fairer scheduling,” Mathews lamented. This sentiment resonates deeply with many cricketers who thrive on consistent match exposure.

Also READ: Steve Smith likely to lead ??Australia in the absence of Pat Cummins for Sri L??anka Tests �Reports

The implications for players and the game

Sri Lanka’s bleak Test schedule is particularly concerning as they gear up for critical series that could impact their World Test Championship (WTC) aspirations. The team begins 2025 with a two-Test match series against Australia but faces a daunting five-month gap before their next series against Bangladesh. In 2026, their commitments remain minimal, with just six Tests lined up against West Indies, India, and Pakistan.

For seasoned players like Mathews, who is nearing the end of his illustrious career at 37 ?years old, this lack of opportunities poses a significant barrier to reaching personal milestones. With 8,042 runs in 116 Tests, Mathews needs just 1,958 more runs to join the exclusive 10,000-run club.

�em>It’s very disappointing not to get that many Tests�he added, highlighting how crucial consistent play is for maintaining form and? fitness.

Former captain Dimuth Karunaratne shares similar concerns. At 36 years old and with 7,16??5 runs in 98 matches, he too dreams of reaching the coveted 10,000-run mark but feels uncertain about his future in Test cricket due to the sparse schedule.

The broader impact on future generations

The ramifications of this scheduling crisis extend beyond veteran players like Ma?thews and Karunaratne. Young cricketers are deprived of vital experience that comes with regular Test matches—an opportunity essential for developing endurance, tactical skills, and mental resilience. Without adequate exposure to the rigors of Test cricket, emerging talents? may struggle to adapt when they eventually step onto the international stage.

Despite these challenges, Mathews remains hopeful about Sri Lanka’s prospects in the WTC. A successful series against Australia could pave the way for their first-ever WTC final appearance if other results fall into place. �em>We’re determined to give it our all against the Aussies,�he declared.

Sri Lanka’s current predicament serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for ICC intervention. By addressing these scheduling inequalities and ensuring fair opportunities for all nations, the ICC can help safeguard the legacy of Test cricket and its future as a cherished format within the sport.

Also READ: Matt Henry, Will Young shine in New Zealandâ€??™s thumping win over Sri Lanka in 1st ODI

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa69.com.

Shakib Al Hasan, the renowned allrounder from Bangladesh, has recently found himself in the spotlight for a different reason than his usual cricketing prowess. Following his impressive performance for Surrey in the County Championship, where he took nine wickets against Somerset, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has requested an analysis of his bowling action after umpires reported it as suspect. This incident marks a significant moment in Shakib’s illustrious career, which has spanned over two decades and seen him become one of cricket’s most celebrated players.

A surprising turn of events for Shakib Al Hasan

Shakib’s stint with Surrey was intended to bolster the team during a critical phase in the County Championship, particularly as several key players were away on international duty. Despite his efforts, which included bowling over 63 overs in a single match, Surrey could not secure victory against Somerset, losing by 111 runs. The match showcased Shakib’s skills as a left-arm spinner, but it also led to scrutiny regarding his bowling technique. Although he was not no-balled during the game, umpires Steve O’Shaughnessy and David Millns later deemed his action questionable, prompting the ECB’s intervention.

The suspect action controversy

This situation is particularly noteworthy as it is reportedly the first time Shakib’s bowling action has come under scrutiny throughout his career. With 712 international wickets to his name across formats—including 246 scalps in Tests—this development raises questions about the integrity of his bowling technique. As negotiations are underway for Shakib to undergo further testing at an approved location, he remains eligible to play while awaiting these results.

The implications of this scrutiny extend beyond Shakib’s individual performance; they highlight the strict regulations governing bowling actions in cricket. The International Cricket Council (ICC) stipulates that bowlers must adhere to specific guidelines regarding elbow extension during delivery. For spin bowlers like Shakib, this means they can legally bend their arm up to 5 degrees when releasing the ball. Exceeding this limit can lead to accusations of “throwing,” which is considered an illegal action in cricket.

Also READ: Here’s how India can still qualify for th??e WTC final even after facing a 0-3 Test series defeat against New Zealand

Understanding legal bowling actions

In cricket, maintaining a legal bowling action is crucial for players across all formats. The ICC defines an illegal action as one where a bowler’s elbow extends more than 15 degrees from the horizontal position until the ball is released. For spinners specifically, the tolerance threshold allows for a maximum of 5 degrees of elbow extension. This tiered system also includes allowances for medium pacers (7.5 degrees) and fast bowlers (10 degrees).

Match officials are tasked with monitoring bowlers’ actions during games, using their judgment to identify any potential infractions. If they suspect illegal bowling techniques, they report the player for further testing at an ICC Accredited Testing Centre. Should a bowler be found guilty of using an illegal action, they fac??e suspension until they can rectify their technique and pass subsequent assessments.

As Shakib navigates this unexpected challenge in his career, questions linger about his future with Bangladesh cricket. His recent withdrawal from a Test series against South Africa due to security concerns adds another ????layer of complexity to his situation.

Also [WATCH]: Virat Kohli ??gif?t his bat to Shakib Al Hasan after India’s series win against Bangladesh

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa69.com.