THE presence of teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the top league often make people believe that things are not quite right in the world of international cricket. While the ICC decision to grant elevation to teams not quite ready for the big time remains debatable, the consequences of such decisions shall not be taken as a realistic barometer to judge the future of the game itself.
The fact is that cricket has a much broader interest base today than was the case, say, a decade ago, with countries like Namibia in Africa, Holland in Europe, and Canada in North America taking up the challenge. It was in this context that I read with great interest a recent news report that talked of an eight-team American Pro Cricket (APC) league featuring eight outfits.
I am a purist at heart, and to follow Test cricket would always be my passion. But I am practical enough to understand the necessity of moving with the time. Be they nations, individuals or sports, they all struggle when they fail to keep pace with the changing times.
I remember the time when I had proceeded to join the Kerry Packer circuit in Australia back in the 1970s. The media used to call it a circus, rather than a circuit, because it entailed fast-paced games, drop-in pitches, coloured clothing, white balls, night matches and so on.
The general perception was that all this was spoiling the game,. Today, all this happens to be an integral part of the game. In fact, they have sustained the game in the modern era where a whole generation has grown up specializing in the shorter version of the game.
Twenty-five years ago, a score of 250 was considered difficult to achieve in a 60-over ODI. Today, even 350 does not sound that ominous in a 50-over game. More interesting is the fact that the faster pace has revitalized even Test cricket, with more games producing a definite result, and doing it well inside the five-day timeframe. Gone are the days of ‘boring’ Test cricket. Today, even drawn matches make for thrilling contests.
The Super Sixes format in Hong Kong was also an interesting innovation, and of late the 20-20 contest has also shown initial promise. Now with the American version coming up with designated hitters, non-batting bowlers and five-ball overs, cricket will have a new dimension with games lasting just as long as an American football contest.
There can be little doubt that the game, as is known to the cricket-playing world, cannot be a viable option to promote in certain parts of the world. There has to be a localized version to attract strangers by making it easier for them to understand, follow and enjoy. Once that base is generated, the will to be a part of the mainstream gets stronger. It is then that transition is planned and executed. The ICC would do well to keep an active eye on the activity being propagated in the US, and provide it due encouragement when the time comes.
THE presence of teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the top league often make people believe that things are not quite right in the world of international cricket. While the ICC decision to grant elevation to teams not quite ready for the big time remains debatable, the consequences of such decisions shall not be taken as a realistic barometer to judge the future of the game itself.
