The highly-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand has failed to impress the fans so far owing to the persistent bad weather. The opening day of the game was washed out at the Rose Bowl in Southampton while the second and third days were affected by bad light. The start for the fourth day was washed out due to rain and eventually, the day’s play was also abandoned after the heavy downpour.

There has been visible frustration among fans and cricketing pundits.  Fans have lashed out at the International Cricket Council (ICC) for holding the one-off Test match in England during the month of June, where the weather prediction is always on the bad side. Former cricketers have argued that ICC could extend reserve days for such an important game as the WTC deserves to see a winner for their first-ever edition.

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Former England captain, Kevin Pietersen has also talked about the weather as he said that ‘a one-of and incredibly important cricket game’ shouldn’t be held in the UK due to unpredictable weather. Pietersen had tweeted,  ‘It pains me to say it, but a one-off & incredibly important cricket game should NOT be played in the UK.”

KP also suggested that one-off matches can be organized in Dubai as it has a neutral venue, fabulous stadium, guaranteed weather.

In another tweet, Kevin Pietersen wrote: “If it was up to me, Dubai would always host a one-off match like this WTC game. Neutral venue, fabulous stadium, guaranteed weather, excellent training facilities and a travel hub! Oh, and ICC home is next to the stadium.”

Former Indian cricketer, VVS Laxman commented that said ICC did not get the rules right as both the teams would want to win lay their hands on the inaugural WTC trophy.

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During a chat on Star Sports, VVS Laxman had said, “It’s very sad for the fans. I think ICC did not get the rules right. All said and done, you want a champion. With so much time available, I’m sure they could have at least allowed 90 overs in 5 days to complete 450 overs. That’s something I would have expected from ICC. We were excited that there is a reserve day but I’m not sure whether the game can finish (even with the reserve day) if the rain continues.”