- Cricket has evolved tremendously in the last couple of decades, especially with the advent of the extremely popular slam-bang variety in the form of T20Is, is stating the obvious. However, the classical format – five-day Test – continues to be the ultimate for any cricketers is indisputable. Any cricketer worth his salt would unequivocally vouch for the Tests that not only test the skill sets required to last the whole duration but also offer an equal battle between the bat and the ball, making for a keen contest. There’s no better sight than to witness an engrossing battle between the two equally endowed quality sides. True cricket connoisseurs, experts, and crazy but well-informed fans would be delighted to watch any keen contest on the field.
PC: NewsBytes
- The moot point to ponder over here is where the 50-over one-day internationals fit in the time of slam-bang variety and the classic Tests. Mind you, when it was first introduced, 50-over cricket completely transformed the way the sport was played till then. The coloured clothing, the white ball, day-night matches, increasing sponsorship inside the stadium, broadcasting rights, and the subsequent digital media rights brought in a hitherto unheard-of revenue stream into the sport, big time. Undoubtedly, the 50-over World Cup continues to possess charm, aura, following, and most importantly, popularity of its own despite T20 franchise-based leagues making a very strong presence. The same cannot be said about the meaningless bilateral contests, though.
PC: ETV Bharat
- Recollect how Team India winning the 1983 Prudential World Cup under the leadership of indefatigable Kapil Dev overwhelmingly altered the way cricket was played in the country. The triumph in the World Cup opened the door for the popularity of the game to spread to every nook and corner of the country, with every other child picking up the bat and/or the ball with such great fanfare, enthusiasm, and excitement. The face of cricket in India and, in turn, the world over changed for good. So much so that cricket in India is considered no less than a religion, even as hundreds of millions follow the game with such passion. What needs attention/rethink from the cricket administrators is why bilateral 50-over internationals are being encouraged?
PC: NDTV Sports
- And not too long back, Test matches between the two sides used to be followed/preceded by ODIs interspersed with T20Is. Of course, multilateral 50-over tournaments involving more than two teams have a different following with no dearth of fans craving for the same. Notably, the 50-over World Cup is a case in point. However, scheduling 50-over matches between the two sides bereft of any context whatsoever simply defeats the purpose. As it is, 50-over contests are increasingly becoming too unidimensional, with the middle-overs meandering along dreadfully. The ongoing three-match 50-over series between India and New Zealand simply makes no sense. Just for the sake of scheduling matches will do more harm than any good to the 50-over cricket.
