The latest ‘Beyond The Boundary’ episode delved into the world of cricket league wars and their impact on player availability. Airing on November 11th, the episode welcomed a panel of experts to dissect this pressing issue.
Host Chetan Narula guided the discussion, joined by Times of India’s Sports Group Editor K Shriniwas Rao, esteemed English cricket journalist George Dobell, Australian cricket writer Jarrod Kimber, and Cricbuzz’s USA correspondent Smit Patel.
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The panel provided an in-depth analysis of the current franchise cricket landscape. With lucrative league contracts on offer, top players are increasingly facing a dilemma – balancing national duty with these enticing opportunities. This new era presents a challenge for the sport, as commitments become increasingly divided.
Key discussion points included the expanding international cricket calendar, the proliferation of leagues worldwide, and the ramifications for player availability. The panel also explored the financial implications for players, the phenomenon of players switching between leagues, and the implications for their status as cricketers.
The governance of these leagues was also scrutinized, examining whether they operate with or without official sanction. The role of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in this evolving landscape was also a topic of debate, particularly its ability to effectively govern these leagues.
K Shrinivas Rao said, “Wherever there is consumption, the game is going into that direction, these leagues are sprouting and white ball format is disintegrating because there is some kind of consumption around the world where these kind of cricket is talked about”
K Shrinivas Rao emphasised the relationship between the growth of leagues and the demand for them, highlighting the global consumption driving this trend. He suggested that the white-ball format’s fragmentation stems from the worldwide interest and discussion surrounding these leagues.
“BCCI and ECB have the right to run the league of their choice and their format, it is any cricket board’s right to do the same and they are well within the right to think what will benefit them.” K Shrinivas Rao added.
K Shrinivas Rao advocated for a democratic structure within cricket, affirming the right of cricketing boards like the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to establish and manage leagues according to their preferences. He emphasized that every cricket board possesses the autonomy to determine what serves its best interests.
“Law of the jungle is going to apply, where the fittest will survive and anything that is not fit enough to stay in the race will perish” he added.
Acknowledging the democratic nature of cricket and the concerns surrounding player availability, K Shrinivas Rao pondered the future direction of the sport. He predicted a scenario where only the most resilient entities, including players and formats, would thrive, while those unable to adapt would face elimination.
The panel delved into the global consumption patterns of various T20 cricket leagues. They highlighted England’s introduction of The Hundred as a prime example and acknowledged the emergence of T10 cricket as a testament to the sport’s evolving landscape.
Experts highlighted the increasing strain on the international cricket schedule due to the proliferation of leagues. They predict that this intense competition will favour the most adaptable and resilient players. In contrast, those unable to keep pace risk being left behind.
Smit Patel highlighted that the USA hosts over seven cricket leagues, supporting more than 25 first-class cricketers who have relocated there. Some teams or clubs are offering annual salaries of USD 60,000 to USD 70,000 to these players to participate exclusively in these US-based leagues.
