Sports

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The changing phases in the game of cricket
By Ranil Abeynaike
Cricket was a sport played at quite a leisurely pace with the traditionally accepted feature being strongly valued and guarded. Cricket was different to other sports by the manner in the way it was played, the way it was followed and the way it was publicized.

The final quarter of the twentieth saw the world change in tremendous proportions and that way of life continues. Slowly but surely that has been the way with cricket too. It was the 1975 World Cup, the inaugural event that initially prompted change. For the first time, obviously unintentionally, the game captured the image of the world.

This drew the attention of the media. One media magnate – Kerry Packer – revolutionized the sport. He challenged the establishment and pretty successfully too. With his involvement beginning in 1977, players embarked on full time professional careers. His lead was followed by every nation playing national cricket.

It also meant that those associated with the game also began to benefit. Umpires, Coaches, Scorers, Statisticians, Trainers, Physios, Dieticians, the list goes on and on. A string of changes, basically aimed at developing the game.
This also meant more and more money being pumped into the game. It is human nature for many to become greedy when the “carrot” is held aloft. It led to the most damaging scandal involving the game ever. The match fixing scandal surfaced. Some were punished, proved guilty but undoubtedly many got away scot-free. It is ridiculous to even imagine that it was less than a handful who were involved in such a major racket.

The game has followed the path of human evolution. Now the search goes on for constant change to make this sport once known as a “gentleman’s game”, to a highly marketable commodity.

Twenty-twenty cricket, substitutions in one day games and games involving mixed teams being classified as internationals, being the latest development. Of the three twenty-twenty cricket has been accepted but not given too much prominence and that is the way it must stay. Only as a form of occasional entertainment and not part of the regular curriculum.

A major drawback in one day cricket is the lack of sufficient close finishes. More often than not the game is decided by the half way stage. Should substitutions resolve that situation, then it is a move in the correct direction. It no doubt adds to the batting and bowling strength and the captain has an additional card to play with, when he is in trouble.

The number of games involving mixed teams, invited to play for charities and other fund raising projects are on the increase. Crowds flock in to witness many stars who assemble to perform at one venue. These games must be curtailed. The reasons may be worthwhile but it should not be overdone. Changes are important, but they must be monitored to ensure they are all result oriented.

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