Picture Credit: ICC/PCB
After the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League got postponed indefinitely, the cricket fans are undoubtedly disappointed with the non-cricketing period. While everybody will admit that deferring the mega event was the best decision possible considering the current scenario amid the COVID-19 scare, it can't be ignored completely that the T20 tournament was one of the reasons or say excuses for the people to cheer in these hard testing times.
Had the Indian tournament gone as slated, the month of May would have been another entertaining 30 days for the cricket fans, at least in front of their TVs. Saying so, we also focus on the fact that the fans would still be getting to see exciting action on the field after the postponement of IPL 2021, as in the world cricket there is a lot happening in the month of May. Here are the 5 best cricket contests (tournaments and series) that one can watch and enjoy the game to the fullest. So, here you go—
1. County Championship 2021
Given that IPL 2021 is now too far from resumption and the fans need some cricketing action to cheer, it the right time for all the fans to shift their attention towards the ongoing County Championship 2021. The 121st edition of the tournament has already started on April 8 and the number of its viewers are definitely going to increase after postponement of IPL 2021. The only turn off for the fans both in India and England is that there will be no broadcast on television for this tournament.
However, the viewers can opt to watch it online by visiting ecb.co.uk/championship-live. Meanwhile, for the mobile users, in particular, the England Cricket app would provide the visuals.
Here is complete schedule of County Championship for May:
2. Zimbabwe vs Pakistan second Test
Following the first promising win on their tour of Zimbabwe, Babar Azam-led Pakistan would like to continue their winning streak for a 2-0 clean sweep in the final game at Harare Sports Club. Notably, Fawad Alam's mighty 140 in the second innings of the game and Hassan Ali’s career best 5 for 36 in the third innings along with his match figures of 9/89 sealed a comfortable victory for the visitors.
The live broadcast of second Test will begin at 1:00 pm IST on Friday (May 7). Unfortunately, the match can't be viewed on television in India. Viewers willing to follow the game can choose the online platform and watch the game on FanCode.
Here is the complete detail:
3. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ODI series
Bangladesh will be hosting Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series starting May 23. After losing the recently-concluded Test series 0-1 to The Lions, it will be a great opportunity for The Tigers to level things by winning the limited-overs contest.
The live coverage of the ODIs won't be broadcast on TV but the cricket fanatics could go to FanCode to watch the series that will begin at 9:00 AM IST on May 23.
Complete details here:
4. Netherlands vs Scotland ODI series
Another event to look for ongoing month is the two-match ODI series between Netherlands and Scotland. The first match starts at 3:30 pm on May 19 while the second will be played on May 21 with the starting time being unchanged. Unfortunately, Indian viewers won't be able to watch the matches as there will be no TV telecast for the same in India. However, it might come on the YouTube channel of either of the teams.
Complete details here:
5. Somerset vs New Zealand 4-day practice match
New Zealand will be touring England to play a two-match Test series against them in June. However, before that they will be playing a 4-day practice match in May with English County team Somerset. It will be a watchful event for cricket fans as all eyes will be on Kiwis and on how they are shaping up in the longest format ahead of World Test Championship final against India.
The 4-day practice match will begin from 3:30 pm IST on May 25.
More details here:
