 |
|
BCCI VP Lalit Modi at the BCCI headquarters in Churchgate pic/sayed sameer abedi |
Wonder what genuine cricket lovers will think about an event finishing on October 8 and the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting the very next day.
The events do not clash (by a day) and most payers from both squads may not be part of the action but there is something called a build-up to a battle. The fight for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been rivetting more often than not since it was launched in 1996. Is it fair to cricket that the public are made to feel full before a meal that promises to be sumptuous? And would Cricket Australia have agreed to this tournament before an Ashes series?
Sure, Modi and Co's new venture comprises players other than Australia and India so there has to be an unselfish view. But just like premier one-day tournaments cannot be devalued (by absence of top teams who are too scared to tour), big Test match contests too need everything that can make it memorable. Public following/interest contributes to an exciting battle too.
Devaluation
Pundits talk about the threat of devaluation to the traditional game by T20 cricket. This is a prime example. One wonders what is the great hurry to squeeze in this tournament that too one contested between domestic teams which comes close on the heels of the Champions Trophy, supposedly the second most important tournament after the World Cup. Sorry, we forgot. It's the money, honey! Six million dollars to be exact!
Bait for England?
WITH most countries including Australia and South Africa agreeing to play in the Champions League, only the England and Wales Cricket Board has not accepted the offer.
However, Lalit Modi said the inaugural League could be held there. "September is a great time for cricket in England. And I'd be thrilled if the League was played at the Oval and the Lord's," said Modi. A few days ago ICC chief advisor IS Bindra had said that England with its multi-racial population, would be a perfect venue for the Champions League.
