Earlier this month, Cricket South Africa (CSA) cancelled the ODI series that was part of the upcoming Australia tour. The three-match ODI was scrapped as South Africa's request for new dates to avoid a clash with their domestic T20 league could not be accommodated by Cricket Australia (CA).
The series was part of the ICC ODI Super League which determines direct qualification for the 2023 World Cup. Since there was no window available to reschedule the series before the qualification cut-off in May 2023, South Africa agreed to forfeit all 30 Super League points to Australia.
Amid the recent development, former West Indies cricketer-turned-commentator Ian Bishop weighed in on South Africa’s move to risk their 2023 ODI World Cup qualification, saying it shows that franchise cricket is becoming more important for a country.
“From an egalitarian point of view, you want the purity of international cricket to continue. But the economics of cricket is also an important factor. So, how do we marry the economics and the good for the good of the game? Franchise cricket is showing us that they need a window."
“IPL needs a window, CPL needs its opportunity, Big Bash needs opportunities for its best players to bring in that revenue stream. But I can see down the road where there is going to be a clear demarcation for that period of the franchise like football, in international cricket. South Africa clearing their schedule is clearly showing that the commitment to franchise cricket is assuming significant importance on a country’s agenda," said Bishop in an exclusive interview with IANS.
Recently, former India head coach Ravi Shastri called for the reduction of bilateral T20Is while giving importance to World Cups.
Endorsing Shastri’s views, Bishop said: “Maybe we could reduce some of that bilateral 50-over and 20-over tournaments, where I agree with Ravi. We could have to go that way and put the premium now on World Cups and maybe choose our teams from within those franchise events and put a smaller window to bond and prepare for World Cups."
With the window for T20 leagues keeps getting longer, Bishop urged the parent body to put in efforts to safeguard international cricket.
“What I do know from a couple of coaches is they place a very high premium on having enough time together as a unit."
“Let’s say, heading into the T20 World Cup, they want enough games at the international level to see how their players gel, see who works and bats where with that bonding."
“So, I still feel there needs to be enough time. If you play well in a franchise, how does Pant bat with Virat Kohli? How does Rohit Sharma play with KL Rahul? You still need to find out about that synergy."
(With IANS inputs)
