Effects of T20 on the standard of International Cricket

Almost every cricketing nation has their T20 cricket league that takes place annually. In December/January it’s the Big Bash, in February comes the Pakistan Super League and right after its conclusion, The Indian Premier League starts which ends in May. These are known as the three main T20 Leagues. Additionally, there are other leagues as well like Caribbean, Bangladesh, South African and the English cricket leagues.

Furthermore, T20 is given more preference in comparison to Test and ODI cricket. Moreover, players prefer playing franchise cricket because of monetary benefits. Due to unavailability of key players, international cricket is planned in such a way that players are available for both international and franchise cricket. This is achieved by reducing the number of matches in a series (Test and ODIs). Hence, fewer matches are played and T20 cricket is given priority. If this remains ongoing, we will lose the true essence of cricket: bilateral series between nations. This is because ICC is keener on playing bigger tournaments, particularly T20.

In light of the aforementioned statement, fewer test matches will be played which will further lead to a decrease in standard of test cricket. Apart from all this, there are different formats that are being tried in cricket like the T10 cricket and other shorter formats that would usually last an hour or slightly more. In these formats it feels as though you are watching baseball, because batsmen try to hit every ball out of the stadium and try to score as many runs as possible. This is where standard of cricket is depreciating. Often, players performing in franchise cricket are seen failing to perform for their countries in longer formats. There is a big difference in T20 and such formats. In T20 you just go for the kill, there’s no such thing as building up a partnership or keeping on bowling good length in order to test the batsmen’s patience. Adding on, T20 does not determine whether or not you are a good player.

ICC is doing all this to increase the interest of people all around the world, and is therefore increasing the number of tournaments especially T20. By doing so, ICC will earn more revenue through world cups and other tournaments and also keep these leagues owners happy.

DR’s opinion – Wouldn’t it be better if these big ICC tournaments be reduced? There should be only One day cricket world cups, and Champions Trophy should be promoted. T20 world cups can be played after every four years but having T20 world cup every other year is nothing more than a suicide for the legacy of cricket.

Additionally, in-between the World Cups, Test and One day series should be played. This will improve the balance between limited and unlimited over cricket. Wouldn’t it be more beneficial to make a law for every player to play a maximum of two leagues in a year? This will probably lead to the players prioritizing their national team over franchise team(s).