We can call this meaningless cricket but, the public does not agree. The ICC, who are required to keep a close eye on illegal shenanigans in the game have not, and I understand have been allowed a presence by the IPL and were told that the IPL would oversee these tournaments. This is strange. I cannot believe any other organisation would have been allowed to get away with such a stance. It all clearly indicates that big money makes its own rules.
In cricketing terms, this form of the game has created its own strategies and tactics. Spin bowling has surprisingly become vital. Increasingly we see teams opening the bowling with a spinner. Taking speed off the ball, the 'slow bouncer' has been developed and has been successful. It is incredible to see the charge being given to world class fast bowlers by ordinary batsmen and them getting away with it. Dexterous over the head shots have been perfected. The Yorker within the stumps is relatively less used than a widish one outside the off stump as it prevents runs. New controversies have arisen as to
how and why individuals are awarded the 'man of the match'. There is the hint of a suggestion that national loyalty in the commentary box has an impact. Finally when all is done and dusted, many billions of dollars change hands involving history's largest ever unofficial gambling syndicates. The numbers of spectators and others involved adequately prove the popularity of this form of the game. Unconnectedly, it is ironic that the wedding date of one cricketer who actually confessed to 'fixing' a match is also open to betting. I wonder if he would take a lead from the yesteryear Australian cricketers and place an 'honest' wager!
The IPL is providing the lead up to the World Twenty20 Championship in the West Indies. I can think of no more suitable surroundings for this form of the game.
The West Indians love cricket. They live in some of the most scenic parts of the world where sun, music, drink and frolic are all ways of life. If one could blow ones own trumpet, in 1973, the undersigned was individually most responsible for putting together the first ever live television broadcast of Pakistan's tour to the Windies. It gave one the opportunity to befriend and gain cricket insights from some of the greats of the game; Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Garfield Sobers, to name just two and see this incredible region which once produced the greatest teams in the history of this game. Sadly the lack of money and bad management has greatly lessened the call by this game for the young. The proximity to America has encouraged the children to lean towards baseball and basketball to the detriment of cricket. The speed of the modern world, the lack of spare time available to individuals and indeed the cost of watching top level cricket combined with the 'instant fix' of Twenty20 cricket is inevitably having its effect on the long form of the game. Whether the traditionalists of the game like it or not, this is happening and big money will continue its ruthless course. The market does not respect traditions; it only respects profit.
In countries where industry, services or the economy do not create enough competition and thus a need to advertise, money for the promotion of sports is always in short supply. India is a prime example of what I am trying to express. In spite of 80% of the population living below world poverty levels the other 20% provide a market of some 200 million consumers that the world is chasing. The result; good management and an eye on profit produced the IPL. The earnings this form of cricket provides to the cricketers will hardly endear the long form of the game to the youth of today. This effect will be even more apparent in countries with less money and poor management. It is not too far in the future when the huge American market will commercially provide international T20 cricket and follow India's lead. Whilst the ICC was able to prevent competition in India and sanctify IPL against the other league, the pressure of money will prevent this kind of embargo in another country especially if the country's cricket body is involved. The US Cricket Association and Mr Stanford must surely be thinking on these lines.
The pressure of these realities is already impacting the players. For just six weeks work they earn more than they would otherwise in a year. Increasingly players will only pay lip service to Test Cricket.
I suggest that it is only a matter of time that change in the form of cricket is inevitable. Lessons from history of various sports advises us that wise administrators, when facing an inevitable uncontrolled change, would be well advised to face matter squarely and lead the change for the good of the game.
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