If This Can’t be the T20 ‘World Cup’, Why Does The Format Exist?
Why bother playing T20 internationals if it’s world event cannot even be called a ‘World Cup’?
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The International Cricket Council (ICC) has missed a golden opportunity to set right the narrative around its perceived lack of strength, yet again.
What Really is This Tournament Called?
The sports’ Governing body has decided that the World Twenty20 is the vehicle for promotion of the game. So 16 teams are permitted in the event. This is different to the 50-over World Cup where from 2019 only 10 teams will be allowed.
We were told that the Twenty20 version of the game was the more suited version for the sport to grow worldwide in non-traditional areas. But in conveying this message, the ICC has muffed up an opportunity to change the perception about themselves.
For starters they prefer to not call it the T20 World Cup, instead the World Twenty20, thereby downgrading its own vehicle to promote the event. If only 10 teams are allowed for the 50-over World Cup, but 16 for the World Twenty20, which of the events should earn the right to be called the World Cup?
Also the preferred vehicle for promotion of the game has already created a wedge in the associate cricket world. They are up in arms over the lack of respect shown to them as seen in the way Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland were knocked out after just one attempt in the ongoing World Twenty20.
Angry Captains
No wonder the captains of Netherlands, Ireland and Scotland are seething with rage. There are no reserve days.
In short, the trio felt cheated at having to qualify for the main draw after having been through a tough grind of a qualifier. The ICC needs to make up its mind whether it wants to grow the game or if it is happy being where it is.
If Twenty20 is the format for the world, let it flow and give everyone a fair chance. The broadcaster and sponsor pressure has ensured that the lesser teams do not play the big boys because it does not make for compelling viewing.
Afghans Expose System
If that is the case be open about not being sure about the role of your associate countries and do not make them part of the world events. Let the Associate countries continue to play amongst themselves.
The story of the ongoing World Twenty20 is fascinating in the sense that a full member, Zimbabwe, was expected to be beaten by an Associate, Afghanistan. Yet Afghanistan has even lesser opportunities to excel and lesser money than Zimbabwe!
Should There be T20 Internationals?
ICC has already made up its mind that Twenty20 is not for Olympics, it does not call this event the T20 World Cup.
It therefore begs a question; is Twenty20 actually an international team sport or should it simply remain a franchise competition. That surely seems to be a more equitable way to grow the game, rather than this unequal format which keeps raising uncomfortable questions.