Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes the International Cricket Council (ICC) can help reduce pay disparities in Test cricket. Ponting used the example of West Indies players who prefer franchise cricket over international duties for financial reasons while addressing salary disparities.
The Australian also stated that it has become increasingly difficult to groom young players in the West Indies, who desire to play Test cricket. He added that their payout system in the Caribbean does not compare to some of the franchise leagues.
“That question has a different answer in different countries. It has become increasingly difficult to groom the youngsters in the Caribbean for instance who want to chase the dream of playing Test cricket,” Ponting stated.
“Their payment system in the Caribbean compared to some of the franchise leagues, it doesn’t match up and Sri Lanka will be the same and Bangladesh will be the same,” Ponting continued.
“It is not the case in India, England, and Australia. You are paid well to play Test cricket for your country and most aspire to play the Test match game. There is a role to play for the ICC here,” the former world champion iterated.
“It is something that has been spoken about at a very high level at the ICC to help that but in India, the feeling I get is that most of these youngsters aspire to wear the baggy blue cap and the same in Australia,” Ponting concluded.
