NEW DELHI: Respected West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara has petitioned the ICC for the governing body to intervene and address the growing dominance of franchise-based T20 leagues that are grossly infringing on Tests. He called for establishing a framework. cricket fame.
The recent incident involving South Africa further highlights the challenges facing Test cricket. This is because the country had a weakened team play against New Zealand due to scheduling conflicts with the SA20, the domestic T20 league.
This scenario has reignited the debate over the relevance and priority of Test cricket amidst the proliferation of shorter format tournaments.
“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. I think that is important.”
So is cricket now following the path of football, where leagues take priority over international duties?
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.
“So outside of the big three – Australia, the UK and India – it's hard to know how countries in economically challenged conditions will survive.”
From a cricket perspective, Lara highlighted the challenges teams from outside cricketing powerhouses face when their top players are unavailable due to participation in T20 leagues. This scenario not only affects the competitive balance but also poses an obstacle for emerging teams looking to make their mark on the international stage.
Lara's sentiments resonate with recent developments such as Trent Boult's decision to abandon his central contract with New Zealand Cricket to pursue opportunities as a T20 freelancer.
This trend further underlines the appeal and impact of franchise-based T20 tournaments on players and may impact on their availability for international duty in longer formats such as Test cricket.
“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. There are 5 days left.
“Company reps will say, 'But we don't have anyone to promote it. Give us three hours and we'll pay you more.' So getting the audience back is also something to be discussed.” I think so,” 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.”
(With PTI input)
The recent incident involving South Africa further highlights the challenges facing Test cricket. This is because the country had a weakened team play against New Zealand due to scheduling conflicts with the SA20, the domestic T20 league.
This scenario has reignited the debate over the relevance and priority of Test cricket amidst the proliferation of shorter format tournaments.
“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. I think that is important.”
So is cricket now following the path of football, where leagues take priority over international duties?
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.
“So outside of the big three – Australia, the UK and India – it's hard to know how countries in economically challenged conditions will survive.”
From a cricket perspective, Lara highlighted the challenges teams from outside cricketing powerhouses face when their top players are unavailable due to participation in T20 leagues. This scenario not only affects the competitive balance but also poses an obstacle for emerging teams looking to make their mark on the international stage.
Lara's sentiments resonate with recent developments such as Trent Boult's decision to abandon his central contract with New Zealand Cricket to pursue opportunities as a T20 freelancer.
This trend further underlines the appeal and impact of franchise-based T20 tournaments on players and may impact on their availability for international duty in longer formats such as Test cricket.
“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. There are 5 days left.
“Company reps will say, 'But we don't have anyone to promote it. Give us three hours and we'll pay you more.' So getting the audience back is also something to be discussed.” I think so,” 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.”
(With PTI input)