Brian Lara and MS Dhoni | Image:PTI/IPLt20.com/bcci
West Indies legend Brian Lara has admitted that the T20 league is eating up much of the space in Test cricket and urged the ICC to intervene to give structure to the relentless invasion of franchise-based tournaments. appealed to.
In a recent example that has raised questions over the relevance of Tests, South Africa recently sent an understrength squad to New Zealand as their first-choice players were playing in SA20 at home.
“I think the ICC (should) put their heads together and find a way for franchise cricket to take over, but in a more structured way rather than in the free fall perspective that is happening right now,” Lara said in an exchange. said in the. His meeting with PTI editors at the headquarters was facilitated by Star Sports, a commentator and expert on his ongoing IPL.
“I hope some smart thinker finds a way to make sure it (Testing) remains relevant. I like the Test Championship and I hope the game remains relevant. So, is cricket now following the path of football, where leagues take precedence over international assignments? Lara basically agreed with that, but also noticed that there are differences between the two models.
“Well, (cricket follows the method of football). Look at soccer. For example, apart from the big cups like the European Cup, World Cup, South American Cup, there may be some friendly matches. This means that at Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City, footballers typically stay for 11 months of the year.
“It seems to have an effect on soccer as well. It has also eased the burden on countries by finding ways to make money by hosting soccer matches,” Lara began.
But Lara said the wealth accumulated between the three superpowers – India, Australia and England – presented a very different scenario in cricket.
“The West Indies are currently in a situation where they cannot survive on gate receipts alone. So, we are very grateful whenever India visits the West Indies. There is a large amount of television rights fees in circulation. That's great.
“I mean, outside of the big three – Australia, England and India – it's hard to see how any country in a tough economic situation is going to survive.'' From a cricketing point of view, the elegant left-hander , said teams often don't have their best players available, making things difficult for teams outside of the big three as well.
Lara may have had players like Trent Boult in mind. Because the pacer recently turned down a New Zealand central contract to become a T20 freelancer.
“Secondly, they (teams) don't have their best players playing because their best players make a living in other leagues (leagues) for their families,” he added.
In March this year, the BCCI introduced the Test Cricket Incentive Scheme, an additional remuneration structure on top of the existing match fees to ensure parity with match fees in other formats and leagues.
Lara welcomed the move, but added that attracting spectators to grounds was equally paramount to maintaining interest in the game and sponsors.
“Giving incentives and what BCCI is doing because they have the money is one aspect of that. Of course, to keep players interested in the game, the rewards for the players will be bigger.
“But if you're walking towards a Test match and there's no one in that Test match, that's not encouraging. Try to get them (the crowd) back to the ground,” Lara said.
The Trinidadian said filling the stadium was also important from a sponsorship perspective.
“I'm sure you've experienced that in India, where sponsors preferred to spend money on three hours of cricket instead of five days of cricket. “Hey, we're promoting your product. “We have five days to do it.'' “The corporate guys will say, “But we don't have anyone to promote it. Give us three hours, and we'll pay you more.'' So there's also talk of getting the audience back. I think it should be done,” he explained.
Lara had little doubt that the T20 version met audience demand, but said modern viewers should be educated about the unique ebbs and flows of five-day cricket.
“Well, I hope not (tests that don't lose relevance). Shorter versions of games will take over, and that's entertainment, and that's what people want. We have not taught them the importance of batting and not losing wickets.”