Published: Feb 18, 2017, 03:55 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 18, 2017, 03:57 PM (IST)
The newly elected Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) chairman Daryl Mitchell feels that the proposed new T20 competition in England is likely to dilute the quality of domestic 50-over cricket and provide “another kick” to its future. Mitchell, 33, has been a Worcestershire player for over a decade and has served as captain until the end of last season. He succeeded Mark Wallace, who stepped down after four years having completed the maximum two terms.
Although Mitchell regards the launch of eight-team T20 competition, scheduled for 2020, as “inevitable”, he still has major concerns about its several aspects. He feels that though the new T20 format looks like a great opportunity for 90 to 100 players selected to play in it, it may not be so profitable to the remaining 300 players. As the role of PCA is to work for the interest of all the 400 players, it will have to look after the remaining 300 players too.
Mitchell said that they are planning to organise one day matches during the window of T20 matches. But there will be a certain inevitable dilution in the quality of the matches as all the best 100 white-ball players will be out of the tournament.
“We are told players not in action in the new T20 competition may be made available to their counties, but 50-over cricket is probably already the format given least priority by the players – something that is reflected in the prize money – and this will be another kick for it,” Mitchell told ESPNCricinfo.
Mitchell believes that PCA’s prime role is to ensure the money that is put into the sport benefits everyone. Mitchell’s personal views seem to contract the views of ECB in several aspects. He believes that a partial return to free-to-air broadcasting is essential if the game is to reach a new audience and argues a need to increase the wage of young players. Mitchell wants to give more attention to players at the lower end of salary spectrum.
Mitchell accepts it that it is difficult to look after the needs of all stakeholders and his role is not only to communicate his own views but the member’s views too.
Reminiscing his days as a Worcestershire player, Mitchell said that they used to look forward eagerly to the T20 competition as it provided them a chance to play in front of packed houses and on grounds. He feels similarly, the new players go into the competition each year with a chance of winning it and to have it taken away from them is indeed a big blow to them.
He believes that when talks about the new competition started, everyone thought about becoming millionaires and failed to realize that only a quarter of them would be able play.
