Former captain against scrapping toss

A ritual since the first Test between Australia and England in 1877 risks extinction when the Cricket Committee of the International Cricket Council (ICC) meet in Mumbai later this month to discuss the issue. Debating the merit of toss has arisen as a need to reduce ‘home advantage’ that often results in host nations rolling out pitches doctored to favour their players in what tend to end up as one-sided encounters.

“I’m actually at a loss to make any sense,” former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi said. 

“First of all, why would you even want to tinker with a century-long tradition,” the spin great asked. Bedi’s former team mate Dilip Vengsarkar admitted he was becoming dismayed by the frequent tinkering with playing conditions. “If this is only about home team’s interference in pitch preparation then just introduce neutral curators,” said the former Test batsman.

“Have a panel of neutral curators just the way the ICC has an elite panel of umpires and match referees. Why do away with a tradition that just not adds to the charm of cricket but gives both participating teams an equal opportunity to rise to the contest?”

Former Australia captains Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh have backed a move to scrap the toss, while West Indies pace great Michael Holding also felt it would encourage an even contest between bat and ball. Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal, however, is opposed to the idea which, he fears, would take excitement out of the game. “I am not in favour of scrapping the toss,” said the 58-test veteran. 

“Every visiting team will also be hosting tours and be having the home advantage. To be the best and top team in the world ranking you need to win both at home and more importantly away from home.” The “elements of surprise, doubts and knowledge” would be taken away if the toss was discontinued, according to Iqbal.