ICC CEO: T20 bashes threatening future of bilateral series : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

ICC CEO: T20 bashes threatening future of bilateral series

LONDON: The ICC chief executive David Richardson warned that the growing popularity of the domestic Twenty20 leagues like the IPL, Big Bash and CPL are threatening the survival of bilateral series with the exception of Ashes and big-ticket tours involving India.



London, July 30

The ICC chief executive David Richardson warned that the growing popularity of the domestic Twenty20 leagues like the IPL, Big Bash and CPL are threatening the survival of bilateral series with the exception of Ashes and big-ticket tours involving India.

To arrest the decline of bilateral series, Richardson said a number of possibilities were discussed at the ICC annual conference in Barbados in June and would again be one of the highlights at the next Board meeting in October.

“Apart from series such as the Ashes — which has an iconic, traditional status —and series between India and the top full members, many bilateral series are perceived as having little relevance. Attendances in most series, especially for Test cricket, have fallen and the revenues generated from these series are not growing,” he said.

The international cricket landscape has changed over the years and even more significantly in recent times with the advent and success of domestic T20 leagues such as the IPL, the Big Bash and the Caribbean Premier League. These events are attracting widespread support from fans and hence the interest of broadcasters, sponsors and other commercial partners.

“Similarly the interest in and value of ICC events such as the World Cup, the Champions Trophy and World T20 has grown significantly over the last eight years or so. The increase in interest in ICC events and domestic T20 leagues effectively provides competition for the interest in bilateral international cricket series (FTP series)," Richardson added.

In order to enhance the appeal of bilateral series, Richardson felt that improved marketing and a more certain and coordinated schedule could be a solution.

“How can we grow interest in bilateral series — bigger crowds, more people watching on television, following the series on their phones, tablets and computers? For this to happen bilateral series need greater context, a clear narrative, improved marketing and a more certain and coordinated schedule,” Richardson said.

“What's the use of scheduling a series in the monsoon season or how can you expect to grow the fan base or attract attendances if series are scheduled or changed at the last minute?,” he asked. — PTI

Top News

Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in UP's Banda orders judicial inquiry into death of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari

UP court orders judicial probe into Mukhtar Ansari’s death

The CJM has sought the probe report within a month

‘Heart attack or poisoning’: The life and times of Mukhtar Ansari—crime and politics

‘Heart attack or poisoning’: The life and times of Mukhtar Ansari—crime and politics

People loyal to gangster-turned-politician vouched for his '...

Alka Rai, widow BJP MLA killed by Mukhtar Ansari, says 'justice has been served', visits Ram Mandir

Alka Rai, widow BJP MLA killed by Mukhtar Ansari, says 'justice has been served', visits Ram Mandir

Alka Rai is the wife of MLA Krishanand Rai, who was shot dea...

Cash-strapped Congress gets fresh IT notice of Rs 1,700 crore, say party insiders

Cash-strapped Congress gets fresh I-T notice of Rs 1,800 crore

Ajay Maken addresses a press conference

Special court convicts 7 people in BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case

Special court convicts 7 people in BSP MLA Raju Pal murder case

The proceedings against Atiq Ahmad, his brother and prime ac...


Cities

View All