Blame the format? Maybe. Just that as Jonathan Agnew of BBC says, you can't comeback in this format. That is the only draw-back. Also as he says, this can be a cash cow managing the other two formats especially the Test Cricket. All 3 formats can survive in his view. I totally agree. They should - why not.
Test Cricket tests the resilience and patience. It gives you the opportunity to save the test if you can't win it. The only sport in the world which respects a 'draw'. It tests you session by session. It is like a patient game of chess.
On the other hand, the One Day Game makes you play to win. Nothing else. You can come back from setbacks and because of the One Day Game, Test Cricket became more exciting. 350+ scores in a day became the norm. Aussies led the way in the nineties after Allan Border's team won the '96 Reliance Cup in India. But to organize a world cup or any major tournament, it takes at-least 3-4 weeks of everyone's time.
Can one globalize the game of cricket with this format alone? I'm not sure. When you are competing with games like Tennis and Football, 2-3 hours maximum is what a busy person can afford in this stressful world. At-least in Test Cricket, one can choose and follow sessions live and then follow the score. But in One Day Game you can't do that.
Here comes the wonderful innovation of 20-20 cricket. It is not just great entertainment but also good value for money and time. One can globalize the game of cricket based on this format. Kids can be lured and initiated easily.
Of-course, 20-20 is not just smashing the ball. It tests one's skill and temperament. You need to be at the top of your game throughout to win. You need to take your chances and be creative and proactive. Adaptability is the key.
This was demonstrated by Pakistan team in general, Younis Khan's captaincy and Shahid Afridi's all round performance in particular. Well deserved win for Pakistan. Congratulations Pakistan Team for winning the 20-20 World Cup 2009.
Finally as Mr. Agnew says, if handled sensibly, this format can be a cash cow to bankroll not just the other formats but also to invest in the future of the game in general. The biggest boon is for a low investment everyone including the paying and watching public, the players, the sponsors and advertisers and the administrators gets high returns. Now everyone can play cricket. Welcome to the 21st century of cricket. Innovation and Tradition at its best. Who said, only Wimbledon can achieve that?
Pradeep Kabra
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