Cricketer-turned-commentator Michael Atherton has criticized the International Cricket Council (ICC) and National Cricket Boards for conducting a surplus number of cricket events throughout the year. Michael Atherton said there is too much cricket all year round and fans can’t keep up with it.

In particular, just after the 45-day duration ICC ODI World Cup 2023, many international teams are already playing their next series. Just four days after the India vs Australia final in the ICC ODI World Cup final, both the teams faced each other in a five-match T20I series.

Some Australian players such as Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc also criticized the scheduling of the series, which did not give them enough time to celebrate their World Cup victory. While 7 Australian players stayed in India to play the series, 5 flew to Australia.

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It’s too much! We can’t know who plays where: Michael Atherton

While speaking to Sky Sports, former England cricketer Michael Atherton said that too many cricket events have made it difficult for fans to follow the sport. He also pointed out that four World Cups have been held in the last five years.

“The predominant feeling for me is the calendar. More and more people I talk to (this is perhaps a reflection of the type of people I talk to or the age of the people I talk to) tell me that they just can’t follow it. It’s too much! We cannot determine who plays and where, what is important.

It all comes together! Three forms of international cricket and then franchise cricket placed above or below. And then an ICC event every year! Since 2019, we have held four World Cups in five years!” Michael Atherton said.

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Michael Atherton, who represented England from 1989 to 2001, also feels that cricket is devouring itself due to the enormous complexity caused by hectic scheduling.

“That’s what still catches my attention in men’s football: the enormous complexity! The cricket seems to devour itself! It is very difficult for fans to keep up with everything.” the 55-year-old further added.

Notably, ODI World Cup finalists Australia and India are playing their second series after the final. Australia They are currently facing Pakistan in a three-match Test series. Indian Team is touring South Africa for a multi-format series. The T20I series concluded on Thursday, December 14.