posted Apr 29, 2008

I think it is a moot point - no country has the money India has - Second, the prejudice in other countries towards giving their money to foreign players is quite high

It is unthinkable, that Aussies and British will give their money to a majority representing foreign player base

In 70's when Packer did his circus, there was not even one Indian player in the circus - mostly, west indian and pak players besides aussies

so, why this dicussion - in a thousand years, i do not see UK and Australia willingly recruit Indian talent in cricket -

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posted Apr 29, 2008

Having just come back from India and watched IPL with Indian friends - the buzz was incredible. It felt like the Olympic games were on.
Cricket needs to move on!

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posted Apr 29, 2008

Interesting arguments here. I'm all for 8 City franchises.

Those that suggest it will take fans away from Counties are deluded as their fanbases are already in serious decline.

One should think more of the new fans that will be attracted to the sport rather than those that will be lost.

Please 20/20 sceptics, can't you see that the future of cricket lies here. To attract new supporters you need entertainment, to attract new players you need idols. This format provides that.

Doubters repent. It is 2008!!

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posted Apr 29, 2008

Why on earth change county cricket? The standard is already immense. And look at how it's helped England dominate Test cricket for the last few decades.

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posted Apr 29, 2008

The negativity towards this particular hit and giggle stems from the fact that there are no guarantees on integrity, honesty and fair play.

And no hedge against potential corruption.

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posted Apr 29, 2008

As a Brit I have to say that the pomposity surrounding the reaction to the IPL really flags up the reactionary 'elite fan' who thinks that britain should still have great before it, that the Empire days are still current, that little england owns cricket and that anything overseas really doesn't cut the mustard.

The IPL is terrific, 20/20 is entertaining, commercial reality dictates that players will go where the money is especially as their playing days are short - and that the ultimate challenge will always remain five days of grinding, grunting, strategising, technique busting cricket at the highest possible level.

Let them grumble and long for the so-called good old days when 'foreigners knew their place' and cricket was a museum piece!

Once the new fans of 20/20 get the taste for the fine art of the test match and start turning up at the grounds cash in hand and with their own opinins, then watch the Wisden touting minority start to complain. (I ahve a bookcase full of Wisden, before you start!)

Sadly for them they've lost the steam train, the old money, imperial measures and cricket has slipped through their fingers!

Let's enjoy the party and watch how it can benefit the game - some things that pose as progress aren't (the atomic bomb for example), but this is creative cricket - and how the whole of the sport needs it.

Fantastic India - you show us what is possible. The party is somewhere else, and some of the 'old brigade' with thier heads stuck up a very dark place just can't stand the fact that they're not invited and it flies at a pace they can't match!

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posted Apr 29, 2008

HenrySappy - Well said!

"Cricket needs to move on!"

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posted Apr 29, 2008

Crickomaster

"The IPL is terrific, 20/20 is entertaining, commercial reality dictates that players will go where the money is especially as their playing days are short - and that the ultimate challenge will always remain five days of grinding, grunting, strategising, technique busting cricket at the highest possible level."

"Let's enjoy the party and watch how it can benefit the game - some things that pose as progress aren't (the atomic bomb for example), but this is creative cricket - and how the whole of the sport needs it."

Couldn't have said it any better!

Cricket!
Greatest game ever invented on planet earth!

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posted Apr 29, 2008

England and Australia have the money and can succeed,its level may not be the same.What is that India can afford which UK/Australia cannot.If IPL is going great guns we should be very happy about, but if our feelings/expressions smell superiority and hatred then we are not talking sport and how can one say others were wrong.To say that none of the Indians was selected by Packer is frivulously incorrect.
Following are from records
"India were not involved as yet, but rumours abounded that their captain Bishan Bedi and star batsman Sunil Gavaskar had signed WSC options."
It is the great players/the audience and Indian companies making it a success.
Exclude, the top overseas players and you will be able to remove last zero from Revenue,Crowds and Companies.Fans go to watch the likes of Symonds,Gily,Oram,Mcculum,Hayden,Hussey and so many more and not the upcoming players,let us be fair to the game and the great players who are making it great instead of generating ill will.My intention is not to hurt the sentiments of any one because I am an Indian too and love both my country of roots and adopted and hold dual citizenship,should I mentioning it?

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posted May 24, 2008

For many kids, and the future of the game, what relevance do counties have today? Many in the larger towns/cities might not recognise the country they live in but can easily identify with a home town.

.............................
Absolute nonsense, this might be the case in big cities but not elsewhere. If asked where I come from the answer is Kent and the same for most people here.

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