The future of ODIs is in jeopardy though the World Cup is a valuable commodity
It's a rare English summer when an Ashes series vies for top billing with a Limited Overs tournament; to discover another one like 2009 you have to go back to 1975 when the first World Cup preceded four Tests between Australia and England.
However, even the 1975 occurrence was different to 2009. First the World Cup was scheduled and the authorities then decided that as Australia would be in the country they might as well play a Test series even though it wasn't an Ashes year. Thirty four years ago the World Cup with its memorable final probably outshone a lacklustre Test series that provided three draws. This time around it appears more likely T20 and the Ashes will share the spotlight.
With cricket currently in a state of flux because of the success of T20 this scheduling rarity may provide a blueprint for the game's future.
The international cricket program is a complete shambles and there's a feeling "something has to give". The future could well feature a more selective Test program, a wide range of T20 competitions, including globalisation of the game via franchising, with precious little fifty over cricket.
I'd be tempted to predict the death knell of fifty overs cricket except that the World Cup is a valuable commodity and the administrators will be loathe to let it slide into oblivion.
If Tests and T20 are the main way forward what are the pitfalls?
First, the administrators need to wind back the peripheral entertainment element at T20 matches. It was fine to have dancing girls and players miked up when international T20 was a sideshow; the odd game supplemented the main fare of Tests and fifty over contests.
However, now that T20 has proved itself a popular and worthwhile form of the game, which provides thrilling contests and skilful cricket, the balance has shifted. The cricket provides ample entertainment value and the extraneous variety should be kept in its place; before and in between but not during the matches.
This is more than just acknowledging the game can stand on its own two feet. The administrators have inadvertently devalued the T20 game and created the thought in the players' minds that it's like a blob of fairy floss to be enjoyed following a substantial meal. The problem with planting that thought in the players' minds is where it could lead.
It's easy to manipulate a T20 game. A slight alteration to the batting order here, an unconventional bowling change there and the occasional wide slipped down the leg-side at the appropriate moment and the crooks are satisfied. The unscrupulous player can rationalise his greed with the thought; "I haven't sold out the result."
There have been widespread rumours about the legitimacy of some of the cricket played in the now defunct ICL tournaments. That should alert the administrators to be on the lookout.
There's no doubt the manipulation of the T20 game is heavily dependant on a corrupt captain. With the explosion in spread betting the crooks could probably survive purely on having the captain in their pocket although their greed generally knows no bounds.
Cricket needs the captains to be in step with its crime stoppers not in league with the gangsters. It's important the public are sure it's always innovative captaincy rather than an occasional greedy gamble.u00a0
With the success of the recent T20 tournament confirming the progress made by the game, now is the right time for the administrators to start planning assiduously for the future. Cricket has progressed in a haphazard vein for too long now and while there's much to commend there's also plenty to lament.
A future involving Test cricket played by just the major nations and including a world championship, plus a variety of T20 competitions that globalise the game through franchises, is a manageable format.u00a0
There's no doubt this year's World T20 was a resounding success and the upcoming Ashes series promises to be a tight contest. This is a mix of cricketing entertainment that keeps everyone happy; the players, the fans and the bean counters.
However, unlike 1975 where cricket fortuitously stubbed its toe on a large gold nugget, the way forward needs to be structured. If the administrators don't plan wisely they may find that in the near future they are only nominally in charge of the game.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
