- Not so long ago, cricket involving the Indian team against the visiting teams would ensure full stadiums brimming with true patrons of the game egging on the home side with rambunctious passion. Such was the pull of the sport that even Test match cricket used to draw sizeable crowds flocking to the venue to witness some of the most talented cricketers showcase their skills to the packed crowds. Indeed, there was never any dearth of cricketing superstars who could pull in a sizeable crowd purely owing to their proven exploits on the field. Alas, such heady days have become far and few in between ever since the game of cricket has undergone drastic changes. As you are aware, the changes have come in the form of the introduction of the curtailed formats.
PC: The hindu
- The 50-over format did enjoy a huge following when it was first introduced with coloured clothing and playing under the floodlights opened the spectators to a never-seen-before spectacle. No wonder, the 50-over format did usher in much-needed dynamism, daredevilry, and breathtaking innovations when attacking instincts naturally took over from the dreary defensive Test match cricket. We all enjoyed watching white ball cricket gleefully. Then came the introduction of the shortest format of the game in the form of T20 cricket, which has only propelled the popularity of the sport to an entirely newer dimension. We know how the proliferation of the lucrative T20 leagues has since come to rule the roost led by our very own Indian Premier League.
- The slam-bang variety has had a positive impact on the classical format of Test cricket too as the teams no longer essay defensive mindset but unabashedly aim for a decisive result. This is the most important contribution of the shorter formats to the way Test cricket is being played now. However, the moot point to ponder over here is whether the 50-over format is losing charm, popularity, following, and most importantly, a riveting contest with the onslaught of the T20 cricket. Many internationally known cricketers have made no bones about their preference to play in the shortest format leagues by foregoing the option to represent their countries in Test matches and 50-over cricket. The ongoing 50-over cricket World Cup reflects the people’s mood too.
PC: Stadium seat
- Ever since the start of the World Cup in India, the empty stands sadly make for a poor advertisement for 50-over cricket even though winning the showpiece tournament is still considered a must for any cricketer. One can feel the quadrennial event being held in India which has an unprecedented following and enjoys humongous popularity, is somehow missing the usual excitement. This should make the organizers worry about the reasons for the palpable lack of interest shown by the paying patrons. Thankfully, the India-Australia contest in Chennai saw a sizeable crowd but the lack of enthusiasm in other matches is a real concern. Hopefully, the spectators will flock to the stadiums in large numbers in the matches ahead.
