1. say that test cricket is your first love, even though you are contributing to its demise
2. state that your real aim is to promote cricket to new audiences
3. say it is most definitely not about the money, but for the good of the game
4. avoid any acknowledgement that maybe, just maybe, we have already reached peak T20 and fatigue will very soon set in, if it has not already
Just what the cricketing world really needs; another T20 league squeezed into an already overcrowded schedule of overlapping competitions.
Having said that, if I were a late career international cricketer (especially if I were South African) looking to cash-in on some T20 action, and all whilst enjoying what the US has to offer - hey, I'd probably be there. Just like Liam Plunkett.
Ha!Ha! - Very good, Colin. There is certainly some consistency amongst your four 'must do' points. Not the first time we've heard them... And you're also right about the cash. I couldn't verify Anand Rajaraman's claim that MLC has the second highest player budget behind the IPL but I have no reason to doubt him. In which case, I wouldn't hesitate. Especially if it doesn't clash with any international fixtures. But MLC hasn't just 'sprung out of nowhere.' There's a dozen SA players who were persuaded (not sure how much persuading they needed) to relocate 4-5 years ago. They've been playing Minor League Cricket up until now but the big payday has now arrived. They're all naturalised Americans now, at least in a cricket sense, and enjoying their new lives.
Neil, I don't wish my comment to take anything away from your piece, which I thought was an excellent piece of sports journalism.
I was, though, rather hoping that your next piece might be about issues raised by the Bairstow stumping at Lords and that most nebulous of terms 'the spirit of cricket'.
...and, of course Colin, we'll provide an unrivalled matchday experience utilising a full range of entertainment options for all ages, which will give our tournament a standout profile from other similar competitions...:-)
To be fair to Liam P, he wasn't there to cash in on some late-career T20 action; he was there to live where his wife comes from rather than where he comes from.
Actually, this is one the very few T20 competitions that DO make sense to me. The ones that really really don't are the ones where IPL franchises set out to colonialise a hitherto uncharted territory of largely cricket-heathen natives and where there is no or virtually no existing demand for cricket or professional infrastructure: Saudi Arabia and the UAE for example. And most of the rest are essentially flashy, big-IPL-money upgrades of an existing domestic competition reimagined as a franchise gig.
But at least the USA is a genuine untapped market: full of cricket-mad South Asian expats and, so we're told, the fourth biggest broadcast market for cricket. As Neil comments, what's held it back so far has been not lack of interest but an administration which alternates incompetence, backstabbing, nepotism and shady practice (how many times have they been suspended by the ICC?!) These are good reasons to try and expand cricket into the USA, and it's fairly organic to do so--in contrast to absurd vanity projects like the ICC's plan from the 2010s to turn China into a top-flight cricketing country.
I agree with pretty much everything you say, Mr Dave Carter.
I spent may years in the states and know how it can take a very long time to establish a sport in the consciousness of the fans; just ask Formula One, who after more than 40 years and endless false starts are yet to fully persuade a lot of motoring racing fans that there is more to the sport than driving around an oval. Soccer is played by millions, but (American) football maintains its dominant position. The US broadcasting rights will be key. I agree about the Asian diaspora, which will at least avoid the galling spectacle as seen in the UAE and Qatar of playing to empty houses. Nothing kills a TV sports experience quicker than silence. Then there's Saudi and problems some players have with human rights issues (see also Qatar). But as LIV golf showed, a dollar sign followed by lots of zeroes tends to help people overcome such qualms.
I had somehow misunderstood Liam Plunkett's exodus stateside. I felt sure I'd read somewhere about his intention to be fully involved in the development of a T20 tournament. Thanks, for that.
Great interview with Anand Rajaraman. I'm an SA expat living in near Seattle and looking forward to supporting the Orcas. Hopefully see you out here sometime in the future :)
Hi Rob, I'd love a trip to see the MLC at some point. I did offer my services as a commentator but you need a couple of international caps to get a look in for most gigs these days. Hope you enjoy the tournament - at least you can watch it at a civilised hour now that it's being played in the States...
Interesting Neil to see if this gets going. I think the one thing will be player fatigue from all of the travelling. The various teams competing are located far from each other from a geographical distance point of view. Much longer flights than say a Jhb to CT or Gqeberha etc.
...although that won't be a factor this year because all the games are being played at the same ground. It could be in the future, although I wonder if the travel hassle and length of journey will be any more than for the IPL and the BBL in particular.
That's right, the whole tournament is being played at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas this year. The idea, in future, is to play the games in the Franchise teams respective cities. I'm no good at logistics but that would involve a LOT of time in the air... But if any country can pull it off, the USA can.
A long time ago I read an article about cricket in the US and how it was more popular that baseball at the turn of the 20th century. But it was regarded as an elitist sport played at the prestigious universities and only in certain parts of the country. A guy called Spalding (I think we all know the sports brand now) was instrumental in establishing baseball as the "game of the people" and cricket faded from the scene.
I do think T20 has a chance but as Rajaraman says it will require patience before it takes off. A lack of understanding of the game is a hurdle because baseball is quite a simple game to understand. I have used baseball to explain cricket to Americans and it does work to some extent. The immediate audience is the large number of immigrants from cricket playing countries in the US. However, to penetrate the mainstream US market down the line there will have to be some education about the game and clever marketing to draw the average Joe and Jill into the game. I'm optimistic it will work.
I often wonder if they shouldn't brand cricket under another name in the US. Bazzball maybe!😂 There are some who associate cricket with the multi-day format which is drawn out and doesn't always result in a winner. A draw is a strange concept to Americans.
As I've said before I will be at the tournament in Morrisville, NC which I'm really looking forward to. I have tickets for 4 games which is about the sum total of live cricket games I've seen in the last 20 years!
Besides the US It's been a dream of mine to watch cricket in the Caribbean. I don't think I'll be able to get down there for the India-WI series but I found out today there are two T20 games in Fort Lauderdale in August. I might try to get to one of those even though the weather in August is brutal in South Florida.
Lastly, besides the players mentioned the article, South Africa will also be represented in the couching staff. Eric Simons for one is with the Texas Super Kings but there are probably others.
As 10cc sang, "I don't like cricket. Oh no. I love it!"
Good luck in getting to Ford Lauderdale. Those two games were late add-ons to the India tour schedule - and the venue will be used during the T20 World Cup next year, of course.
I'm surprised that cricket was regarded as 'elitist' all those years ago. I thought most UK emigrants were 'working class' - but maybe it was the landed gentry seeking a new life who were playing most of the cricket!
I expect this project will work. There will always be a fascination about visiting and playing in the USA for most professional cricketers. The biggest potential snag, perhaps, is the administration of the tournament - and the sport in general - which hasn't always been very good in recent years.
I watched the Windies against NZ and SL 10-12 years ago in Fort Lauderdale. The atmosphere was great but the wicket was very poor. Slow and low. Hopefully the wicket is better for these games and the WC. I believe there is some doubt whether the WC will go ahead in the US. Doubts about their readiness.
Watching the first game in Dallas right now and I'm very impressed with the wicket and outfield. The ball is coming nicely onto the bat and there is something in it for the bowlers. Miller played powerful knock of 61. Full house for the match so that's a good start.
When setting up a T20 league you must always...
1. say that test cricket is your first love, even though you are contributing to its demise
2. state that your real aim is to promote cricket to new audiences
3. say it is most definitely not about the money, but for the good of the game
4. avoid any acknowledgement that maybe, just maybe, we have already reached peak T20 and fatigue will very soon set in, if it has not already
Just what the cricketing world really needs; another T20 league squeezed into an already overcrowded schedule of overlapping competitions.
Having said that, if I were a late career international cricketer (especially if I were South African) looking to cash-in on some T20 action, and all whilst enjoying what the US has to offer - hey, I'd probably be there. Just like Liam Plunkett.
Ha!Ha! - Very good, Colin. There is certainly some consistency amongst your four 'must do' points. Not the first time we've heard them... And you're also right about the cash. I couldn't verify Anand Rajaraman's claim that MLC has the second highest player budget behind the IPL but I have no reason to doubt him. In which case, I wouldn't hesitate. Especially if it doesn't clash with any international fixtures. But MLC hasn't just 'sprung out of nowhere.' There's a dozen SA players who were persuaded (not sure how much persuading they needed) to relocate 4-5 years ago. They've been playing Minor League Cricket up until now but the big payday has now arrived. They're all naturalised Americans now, at least in a cricket sense, and enjoying their new lives.
Neil, I don't wish my comment to take anything away from your piece, which I thought was an excellent piece of sports journalism.
I was, though, rather hoping that your next piece might be about issues raised by the Bairstow stumping at Lords and that most nebulous of terms 'the spirit of cricket'.
...and, of course Colin, we'll provide an unrivalled matchday experience utilising a full range of entertainment options for all ages, which will give our tournament a standout profile from other similar competitions...:-)
To be fair to Liam P, he wasn't there to cash in on some late-career T20 action; he was there to live where his wife comes from rather than where he comes from.
Actually, this is one the very few T20 competitions that DO make sense to me. The ones that really really don't are the ones where IPL franchises set out to colonialise a hitherto uncharted territory of largely cricket-heathen natives and where there is no or virtually no existing demand for cricket or professional infrastructure: Saudi Arabia and the UAE for example. And most of the rest are essentially flashy, big-IPL-money upgrades of an existing domestic competition reimagined as a franchise gig.
But at least the USA is a genuine untapped market: full of cricket-mad South Asian expats and, so we're told, the fourth biggest broadcast market for cricket. As Neil comments, what's held it back so far has been not lack of interest but an administration which alternates incompetence, backstabbing, nepotism and shady practice (how many times have they been suspended by the ICC?!) These are good reasons to try and expand cricket into the USA, and it's fairly organic to do so--in contrast to absurd vanity projects like the ICC's plan from the 2010s to turn China into a top-flight cricketing country.
I agree with pretty much everything you say, Mr Dave Carter.
I spent may years in the states and know how it can take a very long time to establish a sport in the consciousness of the fans; just ask Formula One, who after more than 40 years and endless false starts are yet to fully persuade a lot of motoring racing fans that there is more to the sport than driving around an oval. Soccer is played by millions, but (American) football maintains its dominant position. The US broadcasting rights will be key. I agree about the Asian diaspora, which will at least avoid the galling spectacle as seen in the UAE and Qatar of playing to empty houses. Nothing kills a TV sports experience quicker than silence. Then there's Saudi and problems some players have with human rights issues (see also Qatar). But as LIV golf showed, a dollar sign followed by lots of zeroes tends to help people overcome such qualms.
I had somehow misunderstood Liam Plunkett's exodus stateside. I felt sure I'd read somewhere about his intention to be fully involved in the development of a T20 tournament. Thanks, for that.
Great interview with Anand Rajaraman. I'm an SA expat living in near Seattle and looking forward to supporting the Orcas. Hopefully see you out here sometime in the future :)
Hi Rob, I'd love a trip to see the MLC at some point. I did offer my services as a commentator but you need a couple of international caps to get a look in for most gigs these days. Hope you enjoy the tournament - at least you can watch it at a civilised hour now that it's being played in the States...
Interesting Neil to see if this gets going. I think the one thing will be player fatigue from all of the travelling. The various teams competing are located far from each other from a geographical distance point of view. Much longer flights than say a Jhb to CT or Gqeberha etc.
...although that won't be a factor this year because all the games are being played at the same ground. It could be in the future, although I wonder if the travel hassle and length of journey will be any more than for the IPL and the BBL in particular.
That's right, the whole tournament is being played at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas this year. The idea, in future, is to play the games in the Franchise teams respective cities. I'm no good at logistics but that would involve a LOT of time in the air... But if any country can pull it off, the USA can.
They're playing at two venues. Dallas as you mention but also Morrisville, North Carolina.
A long time ago I read an article about cricket in the US and how it was more popular that baseball at the turn of the 20th century. But it was regarded as an elitist sport played at the prestigious universities and only in certain parts of the country. A guy called Spalding (I think we all know the sports brand now) was instrumental in establishing baseball as the "game of the people" and cricket faded from the scene.
I do think T20 has a chance but as Rajaraman says it will require patience before it takes off. A lack of understanding of the game is a hurdle because baseball is quite a simple game to understand. I have used baseball to explain cricket to Americans and it does work to some extent. The immediate audience is the large number of immigrants from cricket playing countries in the US. However, to penetrate the mainstream US market down the line there will have to be some education about the game and clever marketing to draw the average Joe and Jill into the game. I'm optimistic it will work.
I often wonder if they shouldn't brand cricket under another name in the US. Bazzball maybe!😂 There are some who associate cricket with the multi-day format which is drawn out and doesn't always result in a winner. A draw is a strange concept to Americans.
As I've said before I will be at the tournament in Morrisville, NC which I'm really looking forward to. I have tickets for 4 games which is about the sum total of live cricket games I've seen in the last 20 years!
Besides the US It's been a dream of mine to watch cricket in the Caribbean. I don't think I'll be able to get down there for the India-WI series but I found out today there are two T20 games in Fort Lauderdale in August. I might try to get to one of those even though the weather in August is brutal in South Florida.
Lastly, besides the players mentioned the article, South Africa will also be represented in the couching staff. Eric Simons for one is with the Texas Super Kings but there are probably others.
As 10cc sang, "I don't like cricket. Oh no. I love it!"
Hi Marc,
Good luck in getting to Ford Lauderdale. Those two games were late add-ons to the India tour schedule - and the venue will be used during the T20 World Cup next year, of course.
I'm surprised that cricket was regarded as 'elitist' all those years ago. I thought most UK emigrants were 'working class' - but maybe it was the landed gentry seeking a new life who were playing most of the cricket!
I expect this project will work. There will always be a fascination about visiting and playing in the USA for most professional cricketers. The biggest potential snag, perhaps, is the administration of the tournament - and the sport in general - which hasn't always been very good in recent years.
I watched the Windies against NZ and SL 10-12 years ago in Fort Lauderdale. The atmosphere was great but the wicket was very poor. Slow and low. Hopefully the wicket is better for these games and the WC. I believe there is some doubt whether the WC will go ahead in the US. Doubts about their readiness.
Watching the first game in Dallas right now and I'm very impressed with the wicket and outfield. The ball is coming nicely onto the bat and there is something in it for the bowlers. Miller played powerful knock of 61. Full house for the match so that's a good start.