- True cricket connoisseurs would never shy away from expressing their concerns about the decline of Test matches ever since the short and shortest format of the game came into existence. As you are aware, before the advent of 50-over cricket, Test match cricket was the most followed form that had everything going for it. Indeed, 50-over cricket did garner a huge following, particularly after the introduction of colored clothing and floodlight to make it more attractive to the patrons. This revolutionized the game like never before, and it had a positive impact on the Test matches too as cricket played on the field started to bear a more positive outcome vis-à-vis results. Remember, earlier most of the Test matches used to end in dreaded draws.
PC: EIN Presswire
- Then came the introduction of the shortest format of the game in the form of franchisee-based 20-over contests that simply metamorphosed into a huge money-spinning adventure. No wonder, the proliferation of T20 leagues around the world commenced as a consequence led by the big-ticket Indian Premier League. Yes, the doors of cricket not only widened but also enabled talented and budding cricketers an avenue to seek green pastures with unprecedented money flowing into the game. Overnight, talented cricketers were gobbled up by the ever-eager franchisees who were prepared to shell out huge amounts of money to sign in on the dotted lines. This also led to hordes of talented cricketers foregoing the option of going through the grind of long-format games.
- Slowly but steadily the lure of the lucre and an easy option of making quick bucks by showcasing skills in the ultra-formats of the game has snared away some of the talented cricketers from several countries, especially the West Indies. The sad situation in West Indies cricket needs no further elaboration as the once mighty outfit is battling hard to stay relevant on the world stage. In a sad turn of events, the West Indies have now failed to qualify for the 50-over World Cup to be held in India this year. The reason is scores of talented and promising cricketers have opted to exhibit their skills in the shortest format across the globe rather than play it in the lesser-yielding five-day format. You cannot blame the cricketers keen to make quick bucks elsewhere.
PC: Reuters
- The empty stands in the ongoing two-match Tests between India-West Indies exemplify the sheer lack of interest among the patrons to come and watch the format. Thankfully, Test matches are drawing huge crowds in the ongoing five-match Ashes Test series between the archrivals Australia and England. Of course, the quality of cricket on display is not only amazing and mesmerizing, to say the least, but also highlights how the longest format of the game can be still exciting when two even teams square off against each other by displaying positive intent right from the word go. And the crowds thronging the venues in great numbers vouch for the same. Let’s hope the purest form of cricket sustains the onslaught and remains strong in the days ahead.
