Is it not time for the ICC to put in place a set season or window in the calendar where all the "IPL" style leagues take place at the same time.... i.e. The Big Bash, IPL, 100, CPL, PSL, CSA t20" all take place April to May.
This will also take away the silliness of players (hired guns) playing in four different franchises etc.
Any player who believes that they are on the brink of a brave new world of player power and free agency is deluding himself. Or even herself (it'll come). Ten years ago free agency was a real possibility. Short term loyalty to whoever paid the right price. Now, before you can say Universe Boss, that same player will be signed up to a franchise - 12 months of the year, body and soul. That franchise will decide in which leagues they play and where their services can best be utilised - but always to the franchise's advantage. And it will be in the gift of the franchise when to release players for international duty. Franchise owners will be all powerful.
The remaining question will be: are there sufficient quality players to go round? Expect recent retirees to come flooding back and then imagine how much money is being offered to AB de Villiers to come out of retirement.
From today's news, its clear the horse has Boulted
:-)
Hi Manners,
Is it not time for the ICC to put in place a set season or window in the calendar where all the "IPL" style leagues take place at the same time.... i.e. The Big Bash, IPL, 100, CPL, PSL, CSA t20" all take place April to May.
This will also take away the silliness of players (hired guns) playing in four different franchises etc.
I love your newsletters - thank you!!!
Any player who believes that they are on the brink of a brave new world of player power and free agency is deluding himself. Or even herself (it'll come). Ten years ago free agency was a real possibility. Short term loyalty to whoever paid the right price. Now, before you can say Universe Boss, that same player will be signed up to a franchise - 12 months of the year, body and soul. That franchise will decide in which leagues they play and where their services can best be utilised - but always to the franchise's advantage. And it will be in the gift of the franchise when to release players for international duty. Franchise owners will be all powerful.
The remaining question will be: are there sufficient quality players to go round? Expect recent retirees to come flooding back and then imagine how much money is being offered to AB de Villiers to come out of retirement.
Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss.
Hi Neil
As usual, a thought-provoking article.
Cricket now is not like cricket 20 years ago.
Money has flooded into the game.
Is it still a game, or is it a business?
Virtues of loyalty, patriotism, etc. is old fashioned and holds no longer currency.
Should we still call it cricket, or give it another name?
Best
Ghalieb