Activity in the domestic game

For a short period of time the national team gets a break before they embark on the tour to New Zealand next month. It has also given them the opportunity to mingle with their club mates and add some spark in to the domestic game.

The domestic game has been and is a much discussed topic. There is no running away from the fact that it does not provide the platform to produce quality players ready to play international cricket. Such a vital aspect of the game has not been addressed sufficiently and remedied by a succession of governing bodies since the island joined the ‘test’ fold twenty five years ago.

For a start there has been too much of tinkering with the format of club cricket. On many occasions the format was worked around favoring or protecting certain clubs rather than applying the best formula. Regularly the number of teams participating has been changed. This had lead to the top division being a lop sided tournament.

This year again there has been changes. However, a format has been put in place. For the sake of developing cricketers it’s hoped that this season’s format will remain for a while until there is an absolute necessity for change.

The second factor is the timing of the tournaments. Hardly has there been two years when the tournaments have been conducted in the same period of the season. Players must be aware of a month (continuously) when the season begins and similarly when it comes to an end. School cricket, often resulting in ‘big matches’ being played in March, has such a period when the games begin and end.

As such the best cricket must be reserved for the time of year when the ideal weather conditions – with least rain – is experienced. Similar to countries which experience four seasons. The major part of cricket is played in the three summer months. In this country the ideal period for this “summer game” is between December and March.

It is my belief that all tournaments must conclude towards end February, running towards end March. It then specifies a beginning and an end. Players are then aware of how they must prepare for the season and sustain the fitness and form throughout that period.

In past seasons the one day tournament has had a totally inadequate number of games and often the first round played during monsoon weather in October and November. That has been changed to the games having begun last week and continuing till end December. Also, they are being played mid week. One can call this a step in the correct direction. Still, it would be even better if these matches are played on a league basis amongst all the teams, providing even more one day cricket.

A national tournament is a must. Club cricket has been the established form of the game and it must be given every opportunity and assistance to sustain and progress. However, breeding a national tournament is essential to provide an identity in the game, to all parts of the island. There have been district and provincial tournaments organized in the past, but has lacked continuity. The tournament of the 2003 – 04 season, produced much of the desired results.

Often a mistake made is to attempt organizing tournaments based on the availability of National players and now even ‘A’ team players. That is not wise. There must be a settled domestic cricket calendar which must be continuous year in year out. That is how it is done in England, Australia, India, South Africa, New Zealand. So why not in Sri Lanka?

This season also gives players better rewards financially for their efforts. Players do not earn a living wage playing domestic cricket in this country. Lack of sponsors is a major reason. So an increase in payments is another move in the right direction. Even more encouraging is the move by Sirasa TV to provide coverage for the club season. It will be a huge boost and promotion for the game and the players. Well done Sirasa TV. It is a delight to notice and absorb the activity in the domestic game.