'You Aren't Challenged Enough In Bilaterals': Former Indian Cricketer Wants Tri-Nation Series To Come Back (Photo credit: BCCI)
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has said that teams aren't challenged enough in bilateral series at times and tri-nation series can be the way to make the sport more interesting. He added that if series are not competitive enough, they do not provide the desired returns to the broadcasters, who in turn then bend towards shorter formats.
India are playing a three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, the first of which was comfortably won by the hosts. The hosts will face Bangladesh in the second T20I on October 9 in New Delhi.
Asked by a fan if tri-nation series should be played due to withering interest in bilaterals, Chopra replied in the affirmative.
"You are not challenged enough in bilaterals at times. Let's be honest, whichever team comes to India plays ordinary cricket. So can tri-nation or quadrangular series be brought back? There is no existential crisis at the moment because the broadcasters are giving money and you are playing," Chopra said while speaking on his YouTube channel.
"However, a day will come when the broadcaster will also raise their hands and say they are not getting the returns for their bucks, that they are paying but not gaining that much since the matches are not competitive as your team wins in 10 overs even if your main players don't play," Chopra said.
The former Indian cricketer said that a tri-series between India, Bangladesh and maybe Afghanistan will be more interesting than a bilateral series.
"How can it be done? Firstly, the boards will have to be slightly liberal in sharing the money. The world economy is changing slightly and the leagues are dominating. So let's start making room for each other and go back towards tri-nation," Chopra said.
Also Read: IND vs BAN Dream11 Predictions: India vs Bangladesh Second T20I Fantasy Picks Details
"If you want to save the sanctity of international cricket, the boards will have to come together and play tri-nation and quadrangular series because bilaterals are not that enjoyable as there are so many one-sided matches," Chopra added.
India last played an ODI tri-series against Australia and England in January 2015, which was won by the mighty Aussies. Ajinkya Rahane was the highest Indian run-scorer, with 146 runs in four matches with one half-century to his name.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.
