Blogs Major League Cricket….Is it possible?
January 20th, 2007 by prashantJust like all othe things becoming global - fashion, music, food - is it possible that International Cricket as we know now, would change to resemble US sports leagues such as NBA or MLB? Though it will then lose its “playing for the country” aspect, Cricket as a whole would become a more competitive sport. How about seeing Sachin Tendulkar and Hussey playing for the same side? I am sure this idea might sound crazy to some, but I believe in some respect it is already in action. Isn’t it true that South African players like Kevin Petersen moved, to play for England instead of SA? Also, no matter what you say, current Cricket World is primarily driven by commercial aspect. That is why you hear possibilities of Indian team playing their “home” matches outside of India. So, why not make it completely open by creating a franchise based system?
We could then have teams like Mumbai Punters or Delhi Bundas. I am sure Indian cricket fans would fill stadiums to watch these “clashes” of international stars. Kind of what Kerry Packer attempted to do in Australia, but I am sure the Indian fans would make this idea a great commercial and sporting success.
January 21st, 2007 at 10:54 am
I completely agree with prashant. Cricket I am sure would then be played in the true sense of the game. Getting together the best talent from various teams in a side would sure make for some awesome competetion, during the world XI matches i simply love the fact that Shane Warne and Brian Lara and even Tendulkar can be seen playing together. This would be a great twist in Cricket’s fate and sure for the better.
January 21st, 2007 at 11:53 pm
I dont agree with this thing!!! In India cricket is all about passion for nation rather then the game… In the end what really matters is ur Nation winning then anything else… Still remember the match in Banglore (although long time back, TitanCup) when sachin was going good but wickets falling at other end made Banglore ppl MAD n they started throwing bottles into ground… this makes things clear that ppl worry more for nation winning then player’s individual performance… n India is the Money Machine for game of cricket, so if we reject something in cricket then its future will b dark!!!
January 21st, 2007 at 11:53 pm
…….but organizing these matches once in while will be good for fun
January 22nd, 2007 at 3:05 pm
there is already a major league cricket association in US. lets see how it shapes up! Its their logo that appears in the editorial! here’s their link if anybody is interested - http://www.mlcus.com/
January 22nd, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Ashootosh, introduction of Major League Cricket will not and should not in any way decrease the popularity of international cricket in india. Winning on the international stage will still appeal the most to people of our country (including me) epecially because cricket is one of the few sports in which we seek (and are capable of) international fame. County cricket in England and local cricket in Australia and SA are thriving and there is still enough interest in people there for international cricket.
But what something like MLC will do is increase the level of domestic cricket by leaps and bounds. Why do players like Zaheer and Mongia have to go and play county cricket to improve their game? Once MLC starts and foreign players start coming into the local Indian teams, competition for each spot will increase. So local lads will have to gear up and increase the level of their game. Also, with international players, money in domestic cricket will increase too, and local players will earn much more and be able to use the best coaching and sporting gear available.
To me it seems a win-win situation for everyone, except for other international teams.. because this concept will definitely make the indian cricket team stronger!
January 23rd, 2007 at 10:50 am
That’s right jatanr, the concept will definitely make the Indian cricket team stronger….and richer too!
May 12th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Well, if the reports are to be believed then “Major League Cricket” should become reality (at least get launched) this October. Looks like it will be called Indian Cricket League….
February 21st, 2008 at 8:59 pm
I guess Major League Cricket is very much here now with the beginning of ICL and IPL