England players Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have made it clear that their criticism of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final has not gone down in India, saying they have received abuse and death threats after their comments were widely reported on social media.The duo commented on No Balls: The Cricket Podcast, explaining that their initial criticism was focused on the tournament’s preparation process, not the Indian team.Cross revealed the extent of revenge.“That post received 450 comments. There seems to have been some confusion because I don’t think what we said deserved the threats of death and harassment that we received.”He then made it clear that India was not the one being criticized.“We want to make it clear that this has nothing to do with India. According to the ICC, this policy is designed to improve the viewership and audience in the UK and also consider the global audience.”
What caused the conflict?
The controversy started when the ICC confirmed that the semifinals of the Women’s T20 World Cup would not take place.Under the rules of the competition, the top two teams from groups A and B entered the semi-finals. Usually, the winners of Group A meet the runners-up of Group B in one semi-final, while the winners of Group B meet the runners-up of Group A.However, there was just one thing. If India qualify for the semi-finals, then they will play the first semi-final on June 30, which was scheduled to start at 8:00 pm IST, the prime time television viewing spot for Indians. The second semi-final, starting at 12:00 am IST on July 3, was seen as a good one for UK viewers, especially with England still in contention.If India fails to enter, the tournament will follow the final route.
What Cross and Hartley said in the beginning
Speaking ahead of India’s final match, Mr Cross questioned why a team should prepare for its final match.“Can we talk about what I saw today that if India have to play in the semi-final, they are guaranteed to play in the semi-final on Tuesday because the ICC thinks it is best for them to play in that time.”Hartley responded by pointing out that this practice was not unusual.“It happens in men’s cricket, women’s cricket, all World Cups.”Cross admitted that he understood the trade but believed the point was wrong.“Anyone can prepare based on when India will play. It’s a lot of thinking. I don’t understand how you can go into a tournament and the governing body can put together a team like that. I know why they’re doing it, but I think it’s stupid.”Hartley also suggested that the organizing debate may be irrelevant if India do not make the last four.“Yeah, it’s bad but it looks like they might struggle to qualify.”
India came out, the process followed the status quo
The talks turned academic after India were eliminated from the tournament following their loss to Australia in their final group game.After India failed to make it to the semi-finals, the special draft system was not used, and the tournament reverted to regular boxing.Australia will face West Indies in the first semi-final on Tuesday, while England will face South Africa in the second semi-final on Thursday.Following the online debate, Cross and Hartley reiterated that their criticism was directed at the ICC process and not at India, stressing that their comments were misunderstood and should not cause violence or intimidation.
