Published: Mar 18, 2016, 05:53 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 18, 2016, 05:56 PM (IST)
There is an undeniable, ostensible class system that exists in cricket. As in general society, the traditionalists consider their opinions and beliefs to be of paramount importance. In cricket, the belief held by traditionalists is typically that Test cricket is the only form of the game that is deserving of adoration and devotion. Some might make some lee way for ODIs as a bit of fun. However, Twenty20 (T20) cricket takes the brunt of their venom. The shortest format has been maligned as a breeding ground of corruption, a format requiring limited skill set, a hollow money spinner amongst other things. This T20 World Cup 2016, it might be an ideal time to highlight the positives of the format. READ: T20 World Cup 2016: Amul’s take on Shahid Afridi’s all-round show against
Most prominently, the ability of the format to bridge gaps between teams has come to light. An Oman would never stand a chance against Sri Lanka, but in T20Is they could give Afghanistan a run for their money, and Afghanistan themselves came close to beating Sri Lanka. With a little more nourishing, Oman could be at par with Sri Lanka in a few years.
Other demonstrations of the format’s ability to close splits between sides came when Oman shocked Ireland in the pre-qualifiers. Afghanistan beat the Test-playing Zimbabwe too, but honestly that game would have been more of an upset had Zimbabwe downed Afghanistan (which makes it absurd that Zimbabwe is the one enjoying full-membership and not the latter). READ: T20 World Cup 2016: Michael Vaughan says West Indies can win mega-event
Thankfully, like in society, the pompous monotony of traditionalists is challenged by rationalists. Backers of the T20 format have often argued a case for the shortest, youngest form of the game as a vehicle of change. A means to make cricket more globally accepted.
With the advent of T20 cricket and its subsequent popularisation, more teams have come to the fore. Only in the 2014 edition, Hong Kong defeated Bangladesh. Prior to that, in 2009 England were left red-faced after suffering defeat to Netherlands at the spiritual home of cricket — Lord’s! With each year, these associate teams have grown better. Associates are increasingly growing in stature and that is because there are more complete cricketers now.
The impulsive nature of T20s means that just a couple of key performances on a day can cause a lower-billed team to triumph over a high-ranker. Chances for upsets increase dramatically. It adds to a sense of excitement. Moreover, the shortened game allows associate players — many of whom are part-time cricketers — greater amount of time to focus on core areas required to excel in the format.
But why does cricket need upsets, and how does an upset help in boosting the profile of the sport? When a low-profile team beats a biggie, there is a tangible spike in media coverage of that game. The news arouses a sense of regional pride in the consumers of this bit of media detail. An immediate curiosity is created towards the game, and for those who already know about the sport in the concerned demographic, it becomes an opportunity to preach the nuances of the game to the curious. READ: India vs Pakistan, T20 World Cup 2016: Star Sports launches new ‘Mauka-Mauka’ ad
In an age of globalisation, with the world coming closer, cricket seeks to distance itself from all countries other than the 10 full members. The decision to reduce the 50-over World Cup is a manifestation of this policy. The greatest problem with this approach is not that other demographics are left in dark about this awesome sport, but that excitement for the game within those 10 countries dwindles. People are seeking sporting avenues that are more in sync with the functioning of the world, and the new world order is globalisation.
Presently, cricket has a tool for expansion, and the tool is in period of its heaviest functioning with the ICC World T20 2016. The shortest format of the game is facilitating the abridging of chasms that exist between full members and associates. It is increasing the parity between the sides, popularising the sport we all love. It is time to embrace and exalt the format, and no, it is not just a gateway drug either!
(Rishad D’Souza, a reporter with CricketCountry, gave up hopes of playing Test cricket after a poor gully-cricket career. He now reports on the sport. You can follow @RDcric on Twitter)
