Stuart Broad Criticizes ICC's Over-Rate Penalty System, Says It Diminishes World Test Championship's Relevance

It diminishes the relevance of World Test Championship’: Stuart Broad slams ICC over over-rate penalty system

Former England seamer Stuart Broad has criticized the ICC for its over-rate penalty system, saying that it "diminishes the relevance of the World Test Championship."

England was docked 19 World Test Championship (WTC) points for slow over-rates in four of the five Ashes Tests, which ended 2-2. Australia was docked 10 points.

Broad said that the penalty system is unfair to bowlers, who are often not to blame for slow over-rates. He also said that the system is not consistent, as teams are not always penalized for the same offenses.

"It diminishes the relevance of the World Test Championship, to be honest," Broad told the Daily Mail. "It's not fair on bowlers, who are often not to blame for slow over-rates. And it's not consistent, as teams are not always penalized for the same offenses."

Broad said that the ICC should focus on improving the playing conditions for bowlers, rather than penalizing them for slow over-rates.

"The ICC should be focusing on improving the playing conditions for bowlers," Broad said. "They should be making sure that pitches are fair and that bowlers are not having to bowl on dustbowls. That would do more to improve the Test match product than penalizing teams for slow over-rates."

The ICC's over-rate penalty system has been criticized by many players and coaches in the past. In 2019, former Australia captain Steve Smith said that the system was "ridiculous" and that it "punishes the bowlers."

The ICC has defended the system, saying that it is necessary to ensure that matches are completed within the allotted time. However, it is clear that the system is not perfect and that it needs to be reviewed.