Indian Cricket
Drubbing In England Threatens IPL Gravy Train
By Gaurang
August 19 2011
On the surface India's sudden and precipitous fall from the peak of Test cricket, would seem to have little if anything to do with the heady mix of Twenty20 pyrotechnics and Bollywood razzmatazz that is the IPL. But in actuality the connection is pretty direct.
This fact must have dawned on the money minded Babus who run the BCCI, including the Babu-in-chief, N. Srinivasan, the man in charge, who also happens to be a major stakeholder in the Mahendra Singh Dhoni led Chennai Super Kings of the IPL (Conflict of interest anyone?). He let the cat out of the bag recently when in response to questions about whether the Indian players were not giving Test cricket the proper importance it deserved, he revealed that of course Indian players were very keen on Test cricket, because performances in Test matches and achieving standing in that format would help them get lucrative contracts in the IPL.
There you have it. The BCCI sees the pinnacle of the game, the ultimate contest of skill played while representing your country, the appropriately named "Test" matches, which fully test the physical, mental and even emotional quality of a player, as basically important not as a goal in itself, but as a way for a player to make a name so he can earn lots of money in the IPL.
What is not said is that it is even more important for the IPL Franchise holders, i.e. the BCCI, that India's Test players be recognized as among the best in Test cricket. Because without the seal of approval provided by Test cricket performers in the IPL even if they perform very well, will remain nothing but minor attractions and not the ICONIC money spinners that the likes of Tendulkar, Dhoni, Gambhir, Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh etc. are.
Who would want to tune in to see a match played by the likes of Paul Valthaty, Manish Pandey, Manpreet Gony, Rahul Sharma, and Sreenath Arvind? None of whom have played ODIs for India let alone Test cricket. Clearly the IPL depends on Test cricket to generate the Stars and Superstars who can then be brought or rather bought so that some of their Star power rubs off on the IPL and gives it oomph, and raises it above a domestic club competition that it essentially is.
The reaction of the BCCI has been as swift as its elephantine bureacracy permits. India have already decided to send the team early to Australia, and have arranged for two full practice matches before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as a reaction to how underprepared they were for the Pataudi Trophy. Better late than never. However, early preparation is not enough, as BCCI need to find and groom future Test stars who have the fire in the belly to fight it out for their country in the Test arena.
The BCCI needs to seriously consider whether it makes any sense to promote players to international level either in ODIs or Tests based on performances in the IPL or whether they should invest heavily in India A tours to various countries, and in domestic first class cricket, even if it costs some money to do that. As any good businessman will tell you, you need to spend some money to make more money. But then by getting rid of Lalit Modi, the business brain behind the IPL, it is not clear if the BCCI babus have the business acumen to support Test cricket, even if only for the sake of their own pocket.
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Discussion started by Indian Cricket Fever (IP Logged), 19/08/2011 19:50
19/08/2011 19:50
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:08:20:14:12:55 by Birbal.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:08:20:14:12:55 by Birbal.
One aspect of IPL's influence on Test not covered by this article is the seeming lack of Test match temprament that has creeped into the side.
Also wasn't IPL supposed to RAISE fielding standards? If anything the fielding has looked worse than in a long time...
Also wasn't IPL supposed to RAISE fielding standards? If anything the fielding has looked worse than in a long time...
ABJECT defeat in Tests... will lead to many questions being asked about IPL...and what role it has in the future...
Genuine questions guys and gals. From the outside it seems to me that a totally independent review of the whole set up is needed, rather like England did after the 5-0 Ashes defeat and Australia have just done after the latest Ashes series.
Do you think BCCI would be prepared to do that? And if so would it follow the recommendations? Would/could the Government have any input?
Do you think BCCI would be prepared to do that? And if so would it follow the recommendations? Would/could the Government have any input?
BCCI would not be very prepared for a FULL top to bottom review...because it would implicate them, the administrators as well as the players and selectors, etc...
And I hope fervently that the Indian Government does not have anything to do with any review...
And I hope fervently that the Indian Government does not have anything to do with any review...
There won't be any review.. those idiots will consider this as minor blemish.. I think selectors and bcci knew the injuries to the top players and they still selected them hoping that they would be fit in time.. Zaheer was forced to play 1st test despite of his injury and he broke down on 1st morning.. I think dhoni was just upset with selectors/bcci for not getting the fit team he wanted and gave up on prospect of even drawing the series..
just to play devil's advocate:
This is the crux of the argument. Nobody goes to IPL to see these players. If you look the other side nobody goes to IPL to see Laxman or Dravid either. They want to see Dhoni and Yuvraj. These two are not really test stars.
So Test stars are not important to the IPL crowd. Any ODI star who plays for India will do.
For the test enthusiasists 4-0 might big deal. But 5-0 in ODIs only will affect the IPL crowd. India won the world cup this year. So they might forgive that also for some time.
Blaming the IPL for this loss is not fair. It was just a correlation not the cause. Australia lost the Ashes to England twice. They were not playing IPL.
If the team is good it will do well in tests whether they play IPL or not. It is not fair to blame the players earning money in IPL. After all they spend their time on the ground and play cricket which they enjoy. It is not that they are singing and dancing in Bollywood movies.
BCCI-IPL will always be in conflict with the BCCI-Tests. We all know which one will win. It is not just the evil, incapable BCCI, it is the market also.
Quote:Who would want to tune in to see a match played by the likes of Paul Valthaty, Manish Pandey, Manpreet Gony, Rahul Sharma, and Sreenath Arvind?
This is the crux of the argument. Nobody goes to IPL to see these players. If you look the other side nobody goes to IPL to see Laxman or Dravid either. They want to see Dhoni and Yuvraj. These two are not really test stars.
So Test stars are not important to the IPL crowd. Any ODI star who plays for India will do.
For the test enthusiasists 4-0 might big deal. But 5-0 in ODIs only will affect the IPL crowd. India won the world cup this year. So they might forgive that also for some time.
Blaming the IPL for this loss is not fair. It was just a correlation not the cause. Australia lost the Ashes to England twice. They were not playing IPL.
If the team is good it will do well in tests whether they play IPL or not. It is not fair to blame the players earning money in IPL. After all they spend their time on the ground and play cricket which they enjoy. It is not that they are singing and dancing in Bollywood movies.
BCCI-IPL will always be in conflict with the BCCI-Tests. We all know which one will win. It is not just the evil, incapable BCCI, it is the market also.
If the Indian players continue to put all their energy into IPL, and shine at that format, something tells me Tests won't matter.
It makes economic sense for the players to focus on T20, since that is where they make 90% of their earnings. It's easy for us to criticize that attitude, but who here would not take a job that pays 90% of their salary more seriously than the part that pays 10%?
It makes economic sense for the players to focus on T20, since that is where they make 90% of their earnings. It's easy for us to criticize that attitude, but who here would not take a job that pays 90% of their salary more seriously than the part that pays 10%?
Quote:Anil
If the Indian players continue to put all their energy into IPL, and shine at that format, something tells me Tests won't matter.
My argument is that Tests matter because who wants to see simply IPL stars i.e. Paul Valthaty, Manish Pandey, Manpreet Gony types? The STARS are STARS because of Test and to some extent ODI cricket.
It makes economic sense for the players to focus on T20, since that is where they make 90% of their earnings. It's easy for us to criticize that attitude, but who here would not take a job that pays 90% of their salary more seriously than the part that pays 10%?
Maybe for the established ones it makes sense... but if you want to become a big name ICON player...you better also have a great ODI and Test career
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:08:24:18:56:13 by Birbal.
Quote:Martian
just to play devil's advocate:
This is the crux of the argument. Nobody goes to IPL to see these players. If you look the other side nobody goes to IPL to see Laxman or Dravid either. They want to see Dhoni and Yuvraj. These two are not really test stars.
So Test stars are not important to the IPL crowd. Any ODI star who plays for India will do.
For the test enthusiasists 4-0 might big deal. But 5-0 in ODIs only will affect the IPL crowd. India won the world cup this year. So they might forgive that also for some time.
Blaming the IPL for this loss is not fair. It was just a correlation not the cause. Australia lost the Ashes to England twice. They were not playing IPL.
If the team is good it will do well in tests whether they play IPL or not. It is not fair to blame the players earning money in IPL. After all they spend their time on the ground and play cricket which they enjoy. It is not that they are singing and dancing in Bollywood movies.
BCCI-IPL will always be in conflict with the BCCI-Tests. We all know which one will win. It is not just the evil, incapable BCCI, it is the market also.
I kinda of see some of your points...though I think a player who is solely an ODI star can't become ICONIC...and earn the MEGA $$ in IPL...
But assuming what you say about ODIs is true...then the upcoming ODI series becomes very, very important...
Flower has already thrown down the gauntlet for his team...saying their next aim is the 2015 World Cup... well what better way to get started towards that goal then to defeat the current World Champions in an ODI series...
Bump... seems the lessons after the debacle in England were not taken seriously...
The telling line is that by that UBER BABU Srinivasan...
Why is it important to succeed in Tests...so you can become a NAME player and earn BIG $$$ in IPL...that's why...says this oily haired charlatan...
The telling line is that by that UBER BABU Srinivasan...
Why is it important to succeed in Tests...so you can become a NAME player and earn BIG $$$ in IPL...that's why...says this oily haired charlatan...
If me, an avid fan, but total outsider could see the problems months ago...why can't the BCCI?...
I think they did see the problem....but there are too many vested interests that like the status quo...
Otherwise why is Rohit Sharma not playing in the 4th Test match... why is Pragyan Ohja not playing?
I think they did see the problem....but there are too many vested interests that like the status quo...
Otherwise why is Rohit Sharma not playing in the 4th Test match... why is Pragyan Ohja not playing?
true, Chalta hay attitude and short term benefits by BCCI babu will take team back.
But one thing I noticed that suddenly all pitches in Eng/Aus became greenish this time. Usually they used to have one or two pitch like that but rest were flat pitches in the last 10 years.
Also the players from other countries are putting extra efforts against India so that they will get better price or recognition in the IPL auctions.
But one thing I noticed that suddenly all pitches in Eng/Aus became greenish this time. Usually they used to have one or two pitch like that but rest were flat pitches in the last 10 years.
Also the players from other countries are putting extra efforts against India so that they will get better price or recognition in the IPL auctions.
^There is no application from Indian players hence all the pitches will look like tough pitches.. it seems like mentally they all are in different zone..
Honestly, I think the format as it is today has several serious issues....
Now nobody has time to have a 5 day sporting event with high probability of a no-result....
An anachronism if there ever was....
IPL can still innovate, by inventing a format that will reward Test match like skills, but much more viewer friendly & results oriented....
If IPL mindlessly keeps plugging T20 it may not survive....
24 needed with a bunny coming in at 11? No problem!
Now nobody has time to have a 5 day sporting event with high probability of a no-result....
An anachronism if there ever was....
IPL can still innovate, by inventing a format that will reward Test match like skills, but much more viewer friendly & results oriented....
If IPL mindlessly keeps plugging T20 it may not survive....
24 needed with a bunny coming in at 11? No problem!
Quote:ananthd
Now nobody has time to have a 5 day sporting event with high probability of a no-result....
That is what Indian Test team addressing now. They are trying to get the result by end of Day 1..:-)
Golf is a 4 day sporting event...and it is one of the most WELL PAID in the world... why not Test cricket?
It is all about how it is marketed and packaged... one has to BIG up it's historic appeal and appeal to it's ability to enthrall you for hour after hour...
Who can forget the 2001 series...every hour after the first couple of days in that series was ENTRHALLING... similarly 2003-04... where from the time Dada took the FIGHT to the Aussies with his MASTERFUL 144... it was fascinating all the way through...
I remember following it via frequent phone calls to a friend while I attended an office Christmas party for my wife's company...Even she was totally into the match...and kept asking for score updates...
It is all about how it is marketed and packaged... one has to BIG up it's historic appeal and appeal to it's ability to enthrall you for hour after hour...
Who can forget the 2001 series...every hour after the first couple of days in that series was ENTRHALLING... similarly 2003-04... where from the time Dada took the FIGHT to the Aussies with his MASTERFUL 144... it was fascinating all the way through...
I remember following it via frequent phone calls to a friend while I attended an office Christmas party for my wife's company...Even she was totally into the match...and kept asking for score updates...
With india reaching the top test cricket had a HUGE following.
Disillusioned is what the fans are with their team now.
With infusion of youth and if team shows fiGht there is still a revival possible
Disillusioned is what the fans are with their team now.
With infusion of youth and if team shows fiGht there is still a revival possible
Indian sponsors want to cut cricketers payout drastically (reported in Aussie media, so take with a grain of salt):
India's advertisers draw stumps
India's advertisers draw stumps
Stupid article. The sponsors will be back to IPL and ODIs with their tails between their legs..
Quote:Birbal
Golf is a 4 day sporting event...and it is one of the most WELL PAID in the world... why not Test cricket?
It is all about how it is marketed and packaged... one has to BIG up it's historic appeal and appeal to it's ability to enthrall you for hour after hour...
Who can forget the 2001 series...every hour after the first couple of days in that series was ENTRHALLING... similarly 2003-04... where from the time Dada took the FIGHT to the Aussies with his MASTERFUL 144... it was fascinating all the way through...
I remember following it via frequent phone calls to a friend while I attended an office Christmas party for my wife's company...Even she was totally into the match...and kept asking for score updates...
Birbal, exciting Tests these days are the exception than the rule....
As a rule, Test matches have become blowouts....
Witness even the SL win over SA, or NZ's win over Australia, or Pak's v Eng(of course no need to mention India's troubles)...
But the worst thing about a Test match, is the POSSIBILITY of a no-result....
I mean how many times have we been frustrated, that at the the fifth day's play, there's no result, because there was a wicket to fall or a few runs to make?
How stupid is that? For the 4 day golf event, if players are tied, the event EXTENDS.
I love Test matches and yet the cynic in me tells me that unless something drastically is done to the format, it will be tough to sustain viewership going forward.
Two things I'd do:
0. Ban Draws. This can easily be done by over-limits or by alternating batting sessions(for example 4 sessions with each batting twice(continuing the innings)
1. Market them better, ofcourse. As you said, every golf tournament starts on a thursday and ends on a Sunday. Someone, doesn't have to think twice in booking tickets to the final round, since it will be a Sunday.
Simple things such as these will fix Test cricket. If left in its current form, I'm afraid more empty stadia will ensue.
24 needed with a bunny coming in at 11? No problem!
I agree they should BAN DEAD RUBBER matches like this one in Adelaide...also excellent idea to have all Tests start on Wednesday and end on Sunday... or maybe Thrusday and Monday...
Exceptions can be made for ones that are traditional...like starting on Boxing Day in Melbourne...
Exceptions can be made for ones that are traditional...like starting on Boxing Day in Melbourne...
I had thought a WHITEWASH in England followed by another in Austrlia would threaten the IPL Gravy train...but apparently I was sadly mistaken...
HUMILIATING defeat after Test match defeat...and nothing is threating the IPL gravy train...
HUMILIATING defeat after Test match defeat...and nothing is threating the IPL gravy train...
There will be no changes in the Indian test team until the IPL cash flow slows down.
test results will have no impact...If IPL fails that will their own doing..Valthatys will still be stars in IPL as long as it exists. normal fans dont mix and match the performace in tests and IPL.
Martian...are you saying people who watch Test cricket don't watch IPL and vice versa?
They do..
People watched Laxman in tests even though he was not playing ODIs and T20.
People watched Yuvraj in ODIs and T20 even though he was not playing tests..
They both were stars. Not playing tests did not make Yuvraj less of a star.
At the end of the day people want to see good matches with good players in that format. who wants to see Laxman in T20s and Yuvraj in tests.
So no need to link test and T20 performance together.
People watched Laxman in tests even though he was not playing ODIs and T20.
People watched Yuvraj in ODIs and T20 even though he was not playing tests..
They both were stars. Not playing tests did not make Yuvraj less of a star.
At the end of the day people want to see good matches with good players in that format. who wants to see Laxman in T20s and Yuvraj in tests.
So no need to link test and T20 performance together.
Would you watch an IPL team composed of no name guys... guys who have not achieved anything in Tests?
If so you are in the minority...
If so you are in the minority...
Quote:Birbal
Would you watch an IPL team composed of no name guys... guys who have not achieved anything in Tests?
If so you are in the minority...
People watch Usain Bolt running in 100m eventhough he has not achieved anything in marathon.
Playing the short format itself is a skill. Some players can play both. But being good at only one of this does not make them bad.
For a man with a hammer, everything will look like a nail. All these days players were measured by their test skills.
But the required skills for T20 are different from tests. So using test matches is a wrong measurement.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:11:17:29:36 by Martian.
Not convinced... maybe you are in the new Generation that will watch SOLELY IPL Stars...but I for one have no interest in watching a bunch of club cricketers play hit and giggle cricket on artificially small grounds with boundaries brought in to boost the number of sixers...
As a great man once said "There is a fine line between Gravy and Loose motions"
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:17:02:11:41 by thirdman.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:12:17:02:11:41 by thirdman.
A scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.
--Max Planck
--Max Planck
The minute they got rid of Lalit Modi...they let the bandarlog in charge of the riches of IPL...and the predictable result....
I am amazed that the sponsors like Pepsi..are not up in arms... their name is being dragged through the MUD on this too...
I am amazed that the sponsors like Pepsi..are not up in arms... their name is being dragged through the MUD on this too...
well sahara has complained and stated publcly they wll not come back while srinivasan is there.
rest are also complaining covertly.....
no one has a problem with IPL...it is sure winner...a mega money maker......just that it needs to be cleaned up and managed by more moderate people and not controlled by arrogant dictators
rest are also complaining covertly.....
no one has a problem with IPL...it is sure winner...a mega money maker......just that it needs to be cleaned up and managed by more moderate people and not controlled by arrogant dictators
India has a number of capable adminsitrators...some one will take over...that is not a big issue
I think Modi is basically in exile in the UK following the case against him on IT & other stuff....
24 needed with a bunny coming in at 11? No problem!
24 needed with a bunny coming in at 11? No problem!
Shilpa who do you think fits the description of moderate and not arrogant dictator?
Quote:Birbal
Shilpa who do you think fits the description of moderate and not arrogant dictator?
Dalmiya
Figured you'd say that...
Though the consensus seems to be Shashank Manohar...Pawar's right hand man...
Though the consensus seems to be Shashank Manohar...Pawar's right hand man...
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