Published: Apr 28, 2016, 07:58 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 28, 2016, 08:00 PM (IST)
International cricketers are torn between the financial pinnacle of Tests and domestic T20 leagues which can be secured only by increasing the Tests pay. With the rounds of meetings James Sutherland, chief executive officer Cricket Australia (CA), has been having with regards to summer schedule released has to run parallel with extensive work to ensure that financial rewards for Test are rewarded as compared to the cash offered through T20. Most of the international players can earn far more through leagues likes IPL and BBL. Sutherland feels players are giving priority to international cricket first that has sidelined Test cricket and so new ways need to be found for paying cricketers generously in Test. READ: Cricket Australia aims to attract T20 audience to Tests, ODIs with price drop on tickets
Sutherland said, as reported on ESPNcricinfo, “I’m genuinely excited about the progress that’s been made and the collective will that appears to be in the room among Full Members to improve the context around international cricket and the quality of international cricket. Some of the key things there are about trying to make way to ensure the best players play international cricket that they’re available and they don’t feel under pressure to go and chase money in T20 leagues.”
Sutherland further added, “Part of that is elevating the primacy of all forms of international cricket but particularly Test cricket, and looking to build context. Whether that’s through leagues or championships or whatever it might be, it’s too early to say, but I can honestly say that in terms of ICC meetings I’ve attended and we’ve discussed these sort of matters, these were as a good a meetings as I’ve ever been to.”
One of the major concerns for Sutherland during his visit to Dubai was day-night Test against South Africa in Adelaide next summer. Sutherland has been trying to convince CSA ensuring South Africa players has maximum possible opportunities to get used to playing with pink ball under light before they played the major game in Adelaide. Former South African Shaun Pollock was in favour of day-night Test and also has raised possibility of a day-night Test at home against New Zealand tour in August before Australia tour. READ: James Sutherland anticipates more nations to host day-night Tests
On day-night Test Sutherland says, “I maintain my position that I continue to be optimistic about the Adelaide Test match being played as a day-night Test match. In a timing sense we probably won’t have any firm decisions on that until after the IPL’s over, when their [South Africa’s] players get back home, but certainly constructive discussions and I think things are heading in the right direction.”
He further added, “As we know from last year we’ll see an enormous attendance at a day-night match in Adelaide. It’ll be a bigger crowd than the South African players have ever seen before. To some extent that can add a little bit of extra trepidation when they haven’t played under lights before; hopefully as part of the plan here we’ll provide as much opportunity for them to prepare with pink balls and under lights both back at home and leading into the Test match. It’s a lot about making sure they have a comfortable preparation to get themselves ready for that game.”
