Cricket Guru’s want a change in format
With the advent and success of T 20 cricket, what with its ability to attract large crowds in many of their matches, many people feel that It has been successful in promoting the game of cricket to a larger audience. However, at the end of the day this will always be a debate about the essence of cricket versus the popularity of cricket. Critics cite a trade off between the two.
There is a need to introduce new rules, and change existing ones to make the game more exciting but the most emphasis should be laid on ensuring that the game stays true to its original spirit. With the rise in T 20 cricket games being played many have questioned the success and popularity of the longer version of the game. On the contrary many have felt that T 20 cricket is not a true test of calibre and cricketing talent.
Those who decry the shortened version of the game have justified their claims by stating that there is a lack of emphasis on bowling skills, the elimination of attempts to evolve a strategy or game plan throughout the match, and the perceived reduction in “tactical options” available due to the short format of the game, which lasts approximately less than 2 and a half hours. Some also criticize the commercial aspect of the game, what with its massive advertisements and pre game entertainment. Concepts such as bowl – out, free hit, power play’s are a few of the latest innovations in the shorter version of the game.
Martin Crowe a former http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 captain holds the view that the ICC must settle on two formats, namely Tests and Twenty20s to help market the game in an efficient manner to mass markets. Crowe has also suggested the introduction of pink balls to make Test cricket more interesting and exciting along with day-night test matches. These comments from the former Kiwi captain have drawn scathing criticism, with many players who feel that the efforts to revamp the cricket format will be detrimental to the development of the game and key players.
Cricket http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 on the other hand has devised a format that they hope will replace the ODI format of the game. Incorporating the features of a test match and a twenty20 match, with 2 twenty over innings for the teams. This along with the right for the team to nominate a “super-striker” who will have the opportunity to play twice for their teams. This has also included fielding restrictions, with only 4 fielders allowed in the outer circle from over’s 6 to 20. However senior players such as Mike Hussey were highly critical of this decision since they feel this would hamper the Australian teams preparations for the 2011 Cricket World cup.
"I think it could take away certain players from the game. Spinners might go out of the game altogether which I think might be really sad. And I just don't think it's right - it's one of the great challenges about batting." He added, "We have to be careful we have to make sure we get as many players prepared for the 50-over World Cup in the subcontinent as we can."
Citing the decision of the MCC to amend some of the cricketing laws, experts have looked at a number of cricketing rules that they feel the guru’s could do away with, add or amend. Some of the laws they proposed included, banning leg byes, giving lbw’s on balls pitching outside of off-stump, not offering players light during a test match, legitimising ball tampering, permitting more bouncers, allowing the fielder to touch the boundary rope, allowing two bowlers 12 overs in an innings, banning over-throws for direct hits, not giving run out if batsman is in the crease yet his bat is in the air.
Such proposals, are aimed at making playing conditions more favourable for both batsmen, bowlers and fielders. However, cricketing guru’s must be careful so as not to damage the game of cricket when presenting new ideas and innovations on and off the field. The commercialization of cricket could go both ways, by presenting opportunities or killing the essence of cricket by selling it as entertainment and not a sport. One cricket fan observed, “some people are drunk with the idea that Twenty20 is the only vehicle to drive the game into mass markets of US and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/China-c40996.”
These are crucial decisions to make that could forever change the outlook of the temple of cricket. It could either improve it, or harm the game of cricket forever, which only time can tell.
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