Twenty20 versus Cricket - Opinion
Over the past few years, the Twenty Twenty format of cricket, or more commonly known as T20 Cricket, has gained the attention of many. In comparison to the original formats of the sport, Test and One Day International (ODI), the minimalistic approach taken
up for this new product has found larger audiences and markets worldwide.
However, cricket traditionalists believe that the increasing fame of T20 cricket is shifting audiences’ attention from the original formats of the sport that might leave Test and ODI in shadows.
The origins of T20 Cricket reap from the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2003. The structure was narrowed down to a 20 overs as side innings cutting down the time span from half day match (ODI) and five days match (Test) to a minimal two to three
hours game. The approach was intended to bring cricket on somewhat similar time duration with other famous team-games such as football.
T20 was officially played in 2003 in England at a County level, while it made a worldwide move in 2005 in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 in the first ever international T20 match.
Today, with a more volatile touch added to the sport, T20 Cricket has evolved into a glamorous sport. The all-famous Indian Premier League (IPL) is a good example of the product’s success.
At present, the IPL stands as a fiscal giant and one of the greatest sporting events cricket has ever seen. The league has drawn in greater audiences, even ones who never engaged in the sport. All as a result of its reduced time span and more importantly
star studded cast of the event.
Following the IPL, and even before, other cricketing nations now host their own domestic T20 tournaments. The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 Premier
League.
Not only has the general public been active around T20 Cricket but the format has now gained attention of corporate stakeholders as well.
Though unfortunate, but companies are increasingly shifting their advertising budgets from ODIs and Test to T20 Cricket; primarily due to its increasing viewership all across the globe and the massive money making aspect involved. IPL, once again a good
example, has developed a brand worth of USD 4 billion.
However, fame does have a price tag to it. Despite its growing success, old school cricket experts believe that T20 Cricket may weaken the original formats of the game. They criticise the product for spoiling the younger and new coming cricketers thinking
that ‘the game is all about hitting sixes and fours’.
The former Indian coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Gary-Kirsten-c58527, quoted that T20 should be played at a domestic level rather than international. The former South African star player added that the increasing following and emergence of T20 at international level might dilute the original
formats of cricket.
“I think international cricket does really well with Test cricket and 50-over format of the game and I feel twenty20 cricket will dilute those products a little bit” said Kirsten.
Michael Clarke’s coach, Neil D’Costa stated that the increasing preference of T20 Cricket in Australia might put Test cricket in sideline especially when the country has been reduced to number 5 on the Test rankings.
Cricket has always been a much loved and played sport. With emergence of newer formats in the game such as the T20 offer somewhat appreciation to the game. However, the cricketing nations must also realise that for its existence to last, the original feel
to the sport must also be preserved.
It is better to keep cricket a gentlemen’s sport rather than converting the sport into a fiscal bonanza.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author and do not represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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