Now I watched my first full IPL game today between the daredevils and whoever they played.
Now i know there has been a lot of hype about the IPL, so i thought i would check the nonsense out and i was hugely impressed. I can be a bit of a traditionalist and though i love T20 i have reservations about the celebrity status of the IPL gettin in the way.
But the point to make is this. Is having franchise sides, few of them, loaded with money and loaded with talent the way forward? The players on show in these games are tremendous with 4 or 5 world class names in each 11. Compared to our domestic counties (of which they are loads) these sides have far more talent. The counties have limited overseas talent and added to that the English players often playing away from county cricket the domestic standard doesnt even match up to the IPL.
So, England has 2 choices. Lose our game abroad, our players going to India and the money and stature of cricket being established elsewhere. Or do the same thing. Bunch the counties up into regions like in Australia, and have more quality in each squad.
Does this prevent the development of youngsters. Well Australia lead the way, have fewer teams, more stars and so it would seem not.
If these franchises in the IPL decide to sign players yearly, and have 50 over competitions and a 4 day game as well, or 5 whatever, they could really make a big thing.
I had a load of points to make and i have meandered a bit!! But i think ive got the main body of what i wanted to say down. So anyone with anything to add, or something to say that would be welcome.
What I am seeing is the game of cricket really taking off, and T20 is the cause. People need to make sure the game develops in the right way and I reckon its the fans that usually have the better ideas.
