I don't know why so much time and, presumably, expense went into the Morgan Report for first class cricket.
For me, the ideal cricket season was pretty close. I saw nothing wrong with sixteen Championship matches - the closest preparation for the serious business of Test cricket - and the amount of T20 was about right last year. Stretching it out through the season runs the risk of diluting its impact, but also of attracting overseas stars to play. That is far from easy at the moment, but if you are trying to persuade international stars to come to England for a Friday night twenty-over game for a four month contract it would be a good bit more complex.
After that, all you would need would be a knockout competition. Remember them? Whether 40 or 50 overs, four groups, like the old Benson and Hedges Cup would produce four semi finalists, or eight quarter finalists if you wanted to work those cricketers even harder....
Job done. Ten minutes work. Do you think if I send the ECB my "findings" they'll send me the cheque? Maybe that knockout competition could be named the Peakfan Trophy...
You know my views Peakfan.If the ECB tried to run a p--s u- they would end up ordering 2000 bottles of mineral water.
ReplyDeleteLOL Marc!
ReplyDeleteYou know my "old git" thoughts on T20 Peakfan - they're the same as your dad's !! I've always wondered how long this one-dimensional facet of cricket can go on for - as long as Indian magnates are prepared to pour money into I guess.
ReplyDeleteI suppose though, if the gambling element (and by intimation,the need for creative bowling) was removed,the whole scenario would take a complete nose-dive !!
True ACD, snd there's a strong correlation between India's nosedive in Test cricket and their fixation with T20. Even their better players struggle to concentrate for the required time
ReplyDeleteThe knock out cups were great so the ECB scrapped them. The Sunday League was great so the ECB scrapped it. They have just slashed the 20/20 and now they want to cut the championship games!
ReplyDeleteOur first home one day game this season is not until 2 months into the season.
What a joke!
Ben
As much as I don't like it, I wouldn't put all the blame about India's downfall on the IPL and T20 cricket; it's an aging team who's enjoyed 2 years of splendor due mainly to ordinary opponents, and now is going back to their average form overseas, furthermore IPL players from Aus et SA are doing just fine.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'd like to know the share of revenues that T20 brings to the counties; last year they mentioned in the review that it would be better to reduce the n. of the games, this year, without even waiting for the results of the 10-game season, they go back to the old route; a complete nonsense. Anyway, if I was even remotely interested in T20, I'd say that I like them games being spread all over the season, at least a team could save the £ needed for some overseas showpony. That's also, Peakfan, why I often don't really agree when you have some doubts about an overseas player's T20 ability (ex. Khawaja): how they play in mickey mouse cricket should be the last of concerns for any decent county side; that's just entertainment, win or lose, it is foolish to actually plan a season around it. Even if D. should one day win that league, I still wouldn't care. (Is is however true that, as someone who goes back to Derby only once every 2-3 years, I understand my views could not be shared by someone who's closer to the team... and other teams' fans :) ). If that review is really to be carried forward, I hope that some organized boycotting of T20 will start among fans around the country. Sorry for the lenghty post, I'm a bit bitter on this issue.
Marco
Ah, sorry but I forgot one thing: if, as I heard, the review does indeed recommends to lower the salary cap, that would be one of the most shortsighted and terrible moves that could be done; yes, a lot of counties are in financial troubles, but I would then like to know what percentage of the share goes to those who actually play, and how much into the pockets of the various administrators. I pay to see and incentive the man who's playing and creating art, not to enrich furthermore the pockets of some buisnessman who's probably already more than wealthy. If american sports could get positive results giving around 50% of the total to the players (out of billions!!!), I don't see what lowering the wages (while trying to increase the revenues!) would achieve other than keeping more talents away from the game. Awful, awful, awful.
ReplyDeletePS The review is about helping ENGLISH cricket, so do not look about how much the counties are globally losing, but put an eye also on what team England&Wales is earning around the world... you lower the wages, you lower the standards of the game, the average talent goes down, team E&W get worse, the TV deals will be lower.
I hope somebody will enjoy his fattened wallet.
Marco
I've got to say that I like the domestic 20/20 providing there is only about 10 group games. It is better to get it over with in one month when some top overseas players can play. The thought of watching, albeit on SKY TV, the likes of Chris Gayle, Keiran Pollard, Murali, Razzaq, David Warner, Umar Gul and Afridi this year really excites me. I would love any of them at Derbyshire!
ReplyDeleteBen