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Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews isn’t holding back. Known for carrying his team through thick and thin, Mathews has voiced his frustration over the lack of Test cricket for Sri Lanka, accusing the ICC of neglecting the format in his country.
Taking to Twitter, Mathews didn’t mince words:
“Absolutely shocking to hear that Sri Lanka is only playing 4 Test matches this entire year, including the Aus Tests this month. @ICC.”
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A Slim Test Schedule for 2025
Mathews’ frustration is justified when you look at Sri Lanka’s Test calendar. The year starts with two matches against Australia in January, followed by a five-month break. The only other Tests are a two-match series against Bangladesh in June. Four Tests in an entire year—not only is this a missed opportunity for fans, but it also undermines a proud cricketing nation with a storied history in the longest format.
The future isn’t much brighter. In 2026, Sri Lanka will play six Tests—two each against the West Indies, India, and Pakistan. Meanwhile, teams like England, one of the “Big 3,” have scheduled 22 Tests in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
The Big 3’s Stranglehold
Mathews’ criticism comes amid growing concerns over cricket’s financial disparities, driven by the dominance of India, Australia, and England. These three nations generate the lion’s share of revenue for the ICC and, as a result, command greater influence over the scheduling of lucrative Test series.
Reports of a potential two-tier Test system have added to the anxiety. Such a structure would prioritize matches among the Big 3, relegating teams like Sri Lanka to a secondary tier, further marginalizing them in the global cricketing landscape.
Also Check: India, Australia, And England Part Of Jay Shah’s New Test Venture.
Sri Lanka’s WTC Disadvantage
Currently fifth in the WTC standings, Sri Lanka has performed admirably given their limited opportunities. With five wins from 11 matches, they remain competitive, but the disparity is glaring. While Sri Lanka has been allotted only 13 Tests for this WTC cycle, England has almost double that.
Mathews’ Legacy at Stake
At 37, Angelo Mathews is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest ever cricketers, with over 8,000 Test runs to his name. However, his dream of joining the elite 10,000-run club seems increasingly out of reach. He needs 1,958 more runs to achieve the milestone—a daunting task given Sri Lanka’s sparse Test schedule.
Fans and Experts Weigh In
Fans and cricketing experts have rallied behind Mathews, calling for the ICC to address the glaring imbalance in Test cricket scheduling. Many believe that reducing opportunities for nations like Sri Lanka undermines the global appeal of the sport.
The Road Ahead
Angelo Mathews’ outburst highlights a larger issue facing Test cricket: the widening gap between the game’s financial giants and its smaller nations. As the ICC continues to prioritize revenue-driven decisions, the future of Test cricket for teams like Sri Lanka hangs in the balance.
For Mathews and the fans, the message is clear: the ICC must act now to ensure the survival and growth of Test cricket in every corner of the cricketing world.
