English cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have clarified that their criticism of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final schedule was never aimed at India, saying they received abuse and even death threats after their comments were widely circulated on social media.The pair addressed the issue on No Balls: The Cricket Podcast, explaining that their original criticism was directed solely at the tournament’s scheduling policy and not the Indian team.Cross revealed the extent of the backlash.“That post got 450 comments. It seems there was some confusion because I don’t think what we said warranted the death threats and abuse we received.”She then made it clear that India was never the target of her criticism.“We would like to clarify that this has nothing to do with India. According to the ICC, the schedule has been made to optimize viewership and attendance in the UK while also taking into account the global audience.”
What caused the controversy?
The debate started after the ICC confirmed the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final schedule ahead of the knockout stage.According to the rules of the tournament, the two first-placed teams from groups A and B advanced to the semi-finals. Normally, the winners of Group A would face the runners-up of Group B in one semi-final, while the winners of Group B would face the runners-up of Group A in the other.However, there was one exception. Should India qualify for the semi-finals, they would automatically play the first semi-final on 30 June, which was scheduled to start at 8:00 PM IST, in prime time television for the Indian audience. The second semi-final, starting at 12:00 am IST on 3 July, was considered more favorable for UK viewers, especially with hosts England still in the competition.If India fails to qualify, the tournament would simply follow a standard elimination group.
What Cross and Hartley originally said
Speaking ahead of India’s final group stage match, Cross questioned why a team should pre-arrange their semi-final.“Can we talk about the fact that I saw today that if India qualify for the semi-final, they are guaranteed to play in the semi-final on Tuesday because the ICC thinks that is best for them to play in terms of time.”Hartley responded by pointing out that the practice is not new.“It happens in men’s cricket, women’s cricket, in all the world championships.”Cross admitted she understands the commercial reasons, but believes the principle is wrong.“Anybody can plan it based on when India are going to play. It’s absolutely mental. I don’t understand how you can go into a tournament and the governing body would favor one team like that. I know exactly why they do it, but I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.”Hartley also noted that the schedule debate could become irrelevant if India do not make the last four.“Yeah, it’s bad, but it looks like they might struggle to qualify anyway.”
India were out, the schedule followed the usual format
The debate eventually turned academic after India were eliminated from the tournament after losing to Australia in the last match of the group stage.As India failed to reach the semi-finals, the special scheduling provision was not used and the competition reverted to a standard elimination group.Australia will play the West Indies in the first semi-final on Tuesday, while England will play South Africa in the second semi-final on Thursday.Following the online backlash, Cross and Hartley reiterated that their criticism was aimed at the ICC’s scheduling policy, not India, stressing that their comments were misconstrued and should not have resulted in personal abuse or threats.
