Can ICC rethink the 2019 World Cup?

[Gone]

ICC needs to make sure cricket is spread to more countries and what is the best way to do it? Expose these countries to more top-class cricket.

We already have Champions trophy for elite teams (top-8) and World cup should be what it is "world" cup. Yea we might end up with one sided games in the WC but there will be some upsets too.

If we look back, 1983 India was almost a minnow yet they won the cup, 2007 Minnows upset major team, 2011 world cup minnows gave a good fight. 2015 so far ZWM and IRL have looked really good, and teams wont take it easy.

If ICC choose to do a 10 team WC then surely this progress will be stalled. Can ICC rethink the strategy for 2019 world cup or is it too late? personally i feel its not late, i heard the 10 team format is 3-days longer than this years format. Even if it takes a extra week but if we could accomodate another 4-6 teams it would do wonders for cricket in these nations.

People who say minnows are just there to fill numbers, i think thats not the point, They get exposed to big stages and will defo help them improve + we have seen some upsets in cricket against these minnows and we will miss those in 2019.

 

[Firebreaker]

Yeah they should think about it.Teams should increase not decrease

 

[giri26]

As of now, Ireland, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe look like very competitive teams. Even Scotland isn't that bad. ICC should encourage such teams to be able to compete in the world cup regularly. They should also make sure these teams play lots of ODI cricket against top test nations. Also after this world cup, Ireland should receive test status with immediate effect. I can't believe that ICC is still not making them a test nation, in spite of their good performances.

 

[giri26]

And to think that Bangladesh was made a test nation after just one victory over Pakistan in 1999 world cup, Ireland achieved that too in 2007. They have now beaten WI quite comfortably in WC 2015.

 

[Nuekboi]

Unfortunately Ireland won't get it because their people at home aren't as numerous and passionate about cricket and at the end of the day its only about the numbers and the money to the ICC, not team quality

 

[tahir_dj]

Current format is best
they should always go with 14 teams

10 test nations and 4 qualifier
in that way many teams can compete and get a chance at Worldcup

 

[Saurav]

Why do you need WC to develop minnows?

In fact playing them just after 4yrs hampers them imo

They should be played regularly vs top teams and use that to qualify

 

[Gone]

Why do you need WC to develop minnows?

In fact playing them just after 4yrs hampers them imo

They should be played regularly vs top teams and use that to qualify

I dont think playing vs Top Team is going to happen. Ind/Aus/Eng/SA/SL/NZ i dont think will play teams like IRL/AFG/Scot in a bilateral unless they are proper teams like BD/ZWM. This is because of the money and possible the one-sided affair that it will be in a Bilateral (because a bilateral isnt a one off game with the team). So there won't be much hype for these games.

I believe IRL/Afg/Scot/UAE should play Official ODIs with BD/ZWM/WI and improve their games in Bilaterals and then in World cup they can get the exposure that is needed. You can never have a team becoming good overnight. You have to think about it in the long term, People only realise these teams exist when they see them in WCT20 or WC. If they dont get a chance in the WC. Everyones going to forget they exist = less funding = less growth. And also in the long term bigger teams will still not play with them because they dont bring in the crowds as the crowds don't think they will give them a competition. On the other side, if they do play in the WC, people will notice them, these teams will get the exposure of playing the big games, get more funding (+ the money they get from winning games) resulting in better growth and in the future hopefully a team that can compete against the bigger sides on a consistent basis.

 

[Saurav]

I dont think playing vs Top Team is going to happen. Ind/Aus/Eng/SA/SL/NZ i dont think will play teams like IRL/AFG/Scot in a bilateral unless they are proper teams like BD/ZWM. This is because of the money and possible the one-sided affair that it will be in a Bilateral (because a bilateral isnt a one off game with the team). So there won't be much hype for these games.

I believe IRL/Afg/Scot/UAE should play Official ODIs with BD/ZWM/WI and improve their games in Bilaterals and then in World cup they can get the exposure that is needed. You can never have a team becoming good overnight. You have to think about it in the long term, People only realise these teams exist when they see them in WCT20 or WC. If they dont get a chance in the WC. Everyones going to forget they exist = less funding = less growth. And also in the long term bigger teams will still not play with them because they dont bring in the crowds as the crowds don't think they will give them a competition. On the other side, if they do play in the WC, people will notice them, these teams will get the exposure of playing the big games, get more funding (+ the money they get from winning games) resulting in better growth and in the future hopefully a team that can compete against the bigger sides on a consistent basis.

Make it mandatory for top teams to play them. Like when India tours England, have some games vs Ireland, Scotland etc

T20 WC can have more teams as it can still be competitive.

Their players can be played in domestics of other teams to

But having them in WC only makes things worse. Ireland n Zim can still compete but teams like UAE aren't gonna hurt anyone

Only teams with a chance to win WC should play it imo

 

[AlCapone]

As much as I find it refreshing to see new countries play cricket in the world cup, the match ups seem quite boring sided apart from a few exceptions, also this current format doesn't guarantee the best team to win the the title, it all comes down to which team can play good cricket and hold it's nerves for only 3 games.

The best format would be the one in the next world cup; 10 teams playing against each other in a round-robin format, of those 10, the top 8 automatically qualify and the bottom 2 fight it out with the top 2 associate teams for 2 berths in the world cup.

However that might be a bad idea cause that could harm the future of cricket in any country that doesn't make it, so I think the next event should have 12 teams, with a longer qualification tournament to determine which associate/minnow teams make it.

I don't get the purpose of the champions trophy, it's quite boring and really defeats the purpose of holding the world cup; I mean what's there to brag about winning the CT, what are the winners called?

So we should just scrap the CT

 

[Firebreaker]

As much as I find it refreshing to see new countries play cricket in the world cup, the match ups seem quite boring sided apart from a few exceptions, also this current format doesn't guarantee the best team to win the the title, it all comes down to which team can play good cricket and hold it's nerves for only 3 games.

The best format would be the one in the next world cup; 10 teams playing against each other in a round-robin format, of those 10, the top 8 automatically qualify and the bottom 2 fight it out with the top 2 associate teams for 2 berths in the world cup.

However that might be a bad idea cause that could harm the future of cricket in any country that doesn't make it, so I think the next event should have 12 teams, with a longer qualification tournament to determine which associate/minnow teams make it.

I don't get the purpose of the champions trophy, it's quite boring and really defeats the purpose of holding the world cup; I mean what's there to brag about winning the CT, what are the winners called?

So we should just scrap the CT

Aren't the all matches in this WC till now are one sided and boring?

 

[Buffet]

10 nations in WC of cricket is ridiculous. If associates don't get to play in WC then it's not a WC. Change the format or do whatever but let's not make WC a champions trophy. It's not only about competitiveness of WC matches. Yes, based on few teams doing well this thread came up but even without this I always felt that associate nations should participate in WC.

 

[jusarrived]

As much as I find it refreshing to see new countries play cricket in the world cup, the match ups seem quite boring sided apart from a few exceptions, also this current format doesn't guarantee the best team to win the the title, it all comes down to which team can play good cricket and hold it's nerves for only 3 games.

The best format would be the one in the next world cup; 10 teams playing against each other in a round-robin format, of those 10, the top 8 automatically qualify and the bottom 2 fight it out with the top 2 associate teams for 2 berths in the world cup.

However that might be a bad idea cause that could harm the future of cricket in any country that doesn't make it, so I think the next event should have 12 teams, with a longer qualification tournament to determine which associate/minnow teams make it.

I don't get the purpose of the champions trophy, it's quite boring and really defeats the purpose of holding the world cup; I mean what's there to brag about winning the CT, what are the winners called?

So we should just scrap the CT

This actually ensures that a poor team does not win either . A side which can beat 3 of the top7 sides in a KO match on a trot , has to be the best side in the world .

 

[AlCapone]

Aren't the all matches in this WC till now are one sided and boring?

they have been but when the top 8 teams play each other, almost all teams have a good chance of beating eachother, whereas matchups with minnows tend to be very predictable.

 

[mayankp.sverige]

Should there have been more teams in 2019 ODI World Cup?

Only 2 teams would make from Qualifiers in Zimbabwe.
maybe 4 teams should have made from there.
Afghanistan and Ireland are very compeititive and can beat top 7 teams on their day.
Their presence would make world cup more interesting.

 

[Gabbar Singh]

Completely agree with the people who say there should have been more teams in the World Cup.

Also with the format we have next year a team can lose 2 matches yet still make it to the semis and potentially be crowned world champions - that’s not right, what a silly format.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

There should have been 14 teams.The 2023 WC should follow the 14 team format.

 

[Executioner]

What is a world Cup with competitive teams??

ICC is a joke.

Cricket is a freakin joke.

What is a world Cup? A tournament where only 10 teams participate

 

[UP]

12 teams are a must.

 

[Gubol123]

Although the reason given by ICC for this reduction in team is to make the tournament competitive, we all know the real reason. The reason is to optimize the revenue and ensure that there are as few dead matches as possible. This is actually a good goal from the business perspective and the right one to pursue for the telecaster.. But for ICC it is a dreadful goal.. ICC is in it for both growth of cricket and making cricket sustainable and their preterites should be in that order. More teams playing today (even with some one sided matches) will make better competitive games for future, and possibly for ever once the teams develop.

Instead of ICC conceiving and then approaching the telecaster to sell the product, they are letting the telecaster drive the product development.. that is good if ICC were only in it for money (or do they think they are only in it for money?)

 

[Perth93]

This tournament has been more exciting than any world cup in recent memory. And if ICC allowed the abomination of India in 1975 or 79 world cups, and other various lily-watchers back then, there is no reason whatsoever NOT to have 12 sides in WC 2019. For god's sake, 10 legacy test nations should get automatic entry. The only search should've been for the 2 best associate nations, of which Ireland and Scotland and Afghanistan have a fair go.

Let's start a Change.org petition that we can send to all media houses, Cricinfo and other fan sites and even social media.

I've started one just now, but I'm not on Facebook. Pls see if you want to share and support this.

You can read more and sign the petition here:

http://chn.ge/2pyelql

Thanks!

 

[GreenKhan]

I actually think this is a very good format, and whilst it is the "world cup" the reality is there are very few cricketing nations compared to for example football.

Secondly in 50 overs especially despite the "odd upset" the top 8 have usually formed the quarter finals. The 2015 format of the World cup was rather dire, as the top 4 from the two groups went through, which made most of the matches quiet dire, apart from the marquee games which include Pak v India, Eng v Aus etc. This made for very cumbersome cricket overall until the knockouts.

This format allows each team to play 9 games against each other, and practically allows an even playing field. All the matches will be competitive and I personally think it will be fascinating. Whilst I understand the need for developing teams to participate, the ICC have qualifiers just like in football which allows the top teams from the lower echelon to qualify.

There is no real place to hide in this format. You will have to win a minimum of 5 games to qualify and therefore will have to beat quality teams to earn a berth in the semi finals, and it will be rightly deserved.

 

[Executioner]

I actually think this is a very good format, and whilst it is the "world cup" the reality is there are very few cricketing nations compared to for example football.

Secondly in 50 overs especially despite the "odd upset" the top 8 have usually formed the quarter finals. The 2015 format of the World cup was rather dire, as the top 4 from the two groups went through, which made most of the matches quiet dire, apart from the marquee games which include Pak v India, Eng v Aus etc. This made for very cumbersome cricket overall until the knockouts.

This format allows each team to play 9 games against each other, and practically allows an even playing field. All the matches will be competitive and I personally think it will be fascinating. Whilst I understand the need for developing teams to participate, the ICC have qualifiers just like in football which allows the top teams from the lower echelon to qualify.

There is no real place to hide in this format. You will have to win a minimum of 5 games to qualify and therefore will have to beat quality teams to earn a berth in the semi finals, and it will be rightly deserved.

Did you know that a team ranked 9th kicked out a top tier team in England ? And Ireland nearly snuck into the quarter finals?

 

[cricketworm]

The reason ICC did this because they get lots of Matches where India is involved, that's where they make money off.

'Meaningless games' 'More competitive games' = excuses.

 

[Executioner]

ICC has no interest in the sport.

They just want to make money.

 

[GreenKhan]

Did you know that a team ranked 9th kicked out a top tier team in England ? And Ireland nearly snuck into the quarter finals?

Yes that's why I said despite the "odd upset". Essentially unlike football you can pretty much predict the last 8 , in the formats that were implemented in the 2011, 2015 World Cup . With this format you have 8 teams vying for a top 4 finish to qualify for the semis . Will equate to much more competitor cricket and if the groups are close towards the back end of the group stage each match can become a knockout .

 

[giri26]

Yes that's why I said despite the "odd upset". Essentially unlike football you can pretty much predict the last 8 , in the formats that were implemented in the 2011, 2015 World Cup . With this format you have 8 teams vying for a top 4 finish to qualify for the semis . Will equate to much more competitor cricket and if the groups are close towards the back end of the group stage each match can become a knockout .

In spite of all the predictions Bangladesh made it to the Quarters in 2015 World Cup. I agree 2011 world cup was little predictable but when we look at 2007 WC, BD knocked out India and Ireland knocked out Pakistan. In 2003 Kenya made it to the Semis. So yes these teams need to be encouraged. Scotland, Ireland, Zimbabwe et all need to play in World Cups. They are good teams and on their good day they can defeat top teams. If ICC keeps isolating these teams, cricket will just end up as a 10 member sport and other teams will slowly lose interest in improving and competing as they don't have the funds to keep playing cricket as their primary sport.

 

[CadPakFan]

In spite of all the predictions Bangladesh made it to the Quarters in 2015 World Cup. I agree 2011 world cup was little predictable but when we look at 2007 WC, BD knocked out India and Ireland knocked out Pakistan. In 2003 Kenya made it to the Semis. So yes these teams need to be encouraged. Scotland, Ireland, Zimbabwe et all need to play in World Cups. They are good teams and on their good day they can defeat top teams. If ICC keeps isolating these teams, cricket will just end up as a 10 member sport and other teams will slowly lose interest in improving and competing as they don't have the funds to keep playing cricket as their primary sport.

In the 2011 WC, Canada nearly beat Pakistan! They bowled Pakistan out for 184 and were looking comfortable chasing the runs down with ease when they were at 3/104 but Afridi somehow fluked a performance and Pakistan walked away with some dignity.

 

[CanadianG00se]

12 teams WC should be ideal with two groups of 6 teams. Top two teams each plays Semis and then Grand final.

I do not like the current 10 team format nor do i like super six format. Ideally, after the group games every match should be a KO game.

 

[CanadianG00se]

ICC has no interest in the sport.

They just want to make money.

But but but Manohar was some form of Messiah and was out there to help out associates..

Fact is ICC pool of revenue is very limited and quite frankly heavily dependent on one market. If ICC were to generate revenue from multiple markets then they wouldn’t be so rigid and would allow associate nations to be part of Worldcup. Every nation wants the slice of the pie but not many wants to work hard to expand that pie. ICC can only do much with limited resources.

On topic: I support the feeling of having more than 10nations WC maybe 12. But other nations should also bring in revenue for ICC to make this game truly a global. Fifa example here is not ideal as FIFA’s revenue is not entirely dependent on one country.

 

[Executioner]

But but but Manohar was some form of Messiah and was out there to help out associates..

Fact is ICC pool of revenue is very limited and quite frankly heavily dependent on one market. If ICC were to generate revenue from multiple markets then they wouldn’t be so rigid and would allow associate nations to be part of Worldcup. Every nation wants the slice of the pie but not many wants to work hard to expand that pie. ICC can only do much with limited resources.

On topic: I support the feeling of having more than 10nations WC maybe 12. But other nations should also bring in revenue for ICC to make this game truly a global. Fifa example here is not ideal as FIFA’s revenue is not entirely dependent on one country.

There is something called long term investment.

The reason why cricket is struggling now is because of the mistakes in the past. Little things like having cricket in the Olympics would help the associate nations much better. It also didn't help that there wasn't enough cricket for them back in the days like modern times.

Even still ICC is only cutting down number of teams even though the game is spreading! I know playing a world Cup doesn't help much but it's these small things that make a big impact later on. Imagine South Africa scoring that extra run in the 99 SF.

When associate players see they have no future they usually quite the sport altogether and rightly so. At the end of the day no one truly plays the sport professionally for the love of the game - they need to earn, they need to be engaged.

 

[IndianFan2018]

There is something called long term investment.

The reason why cricket is struggling now is because of the mistakes in the past. Little things like having cricket in the Olympics would help the associate nations much better. It also didn't help that there wasn't enough cricket for them back in the days like modern times.

Even still ICC is only cutting down number of teams even though the game is spreading! I know playing a world Cup doesn't help much but it's these small things that make a big impact later on. Imagine South Africa scoring that extra run in the 99 SF.

When associate players see they have no future they usually quite the sport altogether and rightly so. At the end of the day no one truly plays the sport professionally for the love of the game - they need to earn, they need to be engaged.

Increase in teams for WC's is a noble cause, currently one country is contributing major revenue w.r.t. all remaining test playing nations, they are getting peanuts to ICC comparatively.

What difference does associate nations make, which most of the test playing nations did not made in years.

Cricket will be contnued to play with major test playing nations in our life time atleast ...not seeing this to change in near future, as long as more than 1 billion country fans are interested in cricket ...nothing will harm Cricket as a Game

 

[CanadianG00se]

There is something called long term investment.

The reason why cricket is struggling now is because of the mistakes in the past. Little things like having cricket in the Olympics would help the associate nations much better. It also didn't help that there wasn't enough cricket for them back in the days like modern times.

Even still ICC is only cutting down number of teams even though the game is spreading! I know playing a world Cup doesn't help much but it's these small things that make a big impact later on. Imagine South Africa scoring that extra run in the 99 SF.

When associate players see they have no future they usually quite the sport altogether and rightly so. At the end of the day no one truly plays the sport professionally for the love of the game - they need to earn, they need to be engaged.

You’re mistaken if you think i support 10 teams WC. I prefer 12 teams WC with QF, SF, nd final to conclude.

What im suggesting is, lot of folks have been bashing ICC (rightly or wrong, idk) for not able to promote game which is expected from them. But not many are suggesting ways to generate revenue so that ICC can support more teams and can fund them. Recently, teams like Afg and Ireland will get more funds (in the expense of India) to develop game in their country. Now, what are these countries going to do if funds from ICC dried up let say something happened, do they have other modes of income?
My point is even individual countries are somewhat responsible for generating their revenues and try to be independent. ICC handouts is plus income but shouldnt be only mode of income.

As of now, Associate nations dont add any commerical value to the worldcup which is why ICC were forced to make changes to it. Again, im not supporting 10 teams WC, I’d personally want Zimbabwe and Scotland in WC as well. But we live in world were economics do play key role in decision making and as of now it seems not ideal. Maybe 2023 WC will have more teams ( i truly hope so)

But for now we can all bash ICC for this mess but no one is being suggesting workable solution that can be win win for all

 

[Executioner]

Increase in teams for WC's is a noble cause, currently one country is contributing major revenue w.r.t. all remaining test playing nations, they are getting peanuts to ICC comparatively.

What difference does associate nations make, which most of the test playing nations did not made in years.

Cricket will be contnued to play with major test playing nations in our life time atleast ...not seeing this to change in near future, as long as more than 1 billion country fans are interested in cricket ...nothing will harm Cricket as a Game

Do you still think India or other subcontinental fans will bother about cricket in the future with the same old teams playing over and over again?

In India, popularity of football is increasing dramatically. Same in the case in BD. Heck football is actually more followed in BD among the educated public. The new generation in the subcontinent don't follow cricket crazily enough.

So as you can see, the popularity of the sport is waning especially in the demographic that matters the most- young and/or educated public.

 

[CanadianG00se]

There is something called long term investment.

The reason why cricket is struggling now is because of the mistakes in the past. Little things like having cricket in the Olympics would help the associate nations much better. It also didn't help that there wasn't enough cricket for them back in the days like modern times.

Even still ICC is only cutting down number of teams even though the game is spreading! I know playing a world Cup doesn't help much but it's these small things that make a big impact later on. Imagine South Africa scoring that extra run in the 99 SF.

When associate players see they have no future they usually quite the sport altogether and rightly so. At the end of the day no one truly plays the sport professionally for the love of the game - they need to earn, they need to be engaged.

To add to my other point, you’re not even suggesting how can ICC move away from India and try to become independent?

Recently they wanted to host 2018 Wt20 which was outside of Original agreement, but BCCI straight up rejected. Now, ICC could’ve hosted that tournament with or without India, but they didn’t which proves my point that ICC is absolute dependent on one and one market only.

We Indian fans dont really watch neutral games unles if it invovles strong teams like Aus or SA. So, basically games involving minnos isnt exactly generating revenue for ICC cause majority of Indians wont bother tuning in. Now, being an Indian fan im not suggesting that minnows shouldnt be allowed, ofc they should but how can ICC make their game marketable?

You guys need to also include economics in decision making no matter how crazy it may sound. Law of economics will eventually catch up and sooner or later will impact minnows

 

[CanadianG00se]

Do you still think India or other subcontinental fans will bother about cricket in the future with the same old teams playing over and over again?

In India, popularity of football is increasing dramatically. Same in the case in BD. Heck football is actually more followed in BD among the educated public. The new generation in the subcontinent don't follow cricket crazily enough.

So as you can see, the popularity of the sport is waning especially in the demographic that matters the most- young and/or educated public.

Football will never and I mean never dethrone cricket in India. If India somehow wins Fifa WC (Next to impossible) then i can see soccer becoming #1 or else it never will.

If Internatonal cricket becomes dud and boring, then im sure IPL will become more and more interesting for us Indian fans. If Kabaddi league which includes mostly Indian players can still be very popular then I see no reason why IPl wont

 

[Nil Dhumrojal]

ODI WC should be 14 teams and T20 WC should be 20 teams.

 

[Executioner]

Football will never and I mean never dethrone cricket in India. If India somehow wins Fifa WC (Next to impossible) then i can see soccer becoming #1 or else it never will.

If Internatonal cricket becomes dud and boring, then im sure IPL will become more and more interesting for us Indian fans. If Kabaddi league which includes mostly Indian players can still be very popular then I see no reason why IPl wont

But the monopoly is what it's all about

IPL will remain but it won't be far ahead of other events if the overall popularity of the sport drops.

 

[Executioner]

To add to my other point, you’re not even suggesting how can ICC move away from India and try to become independent?

Recently they wanted to host 2018 Wt20 which was outside of Original agreement, but BCCI straight up rejected. Now, ICC could’ve hosted that tournament with or without India, but they didn’t which proves my point that ICC is absolute dependent on one and one market only.

We Indian fans dont really watch neutral games unles if it invovles strong teams like Aus or SA. So, basically games involving minnos isnt exactly generating revenue for ICC cause majority of Indians wont bother tuning in. Now, being an Indian fan im not suggesting that minnows shouldnt be allowed, ofc they should but how can ICC make their game marketable?

You guys need to also include economics in decision making no matter how crazy it may sound. Law of economics will eventually catch up and sooner or later will impact minnows

The Reason why ICC is so dependant on the subcontinent and especially India is because that is where 90% of the revenue come from. That's an open secret. 95% of die hard cricket fans are from Asia itself.

Like I said ICC is a failed organization who have barely done anything to make the game more marketable and also increase its popularity in different countries. ICC doesn't have smart people running it, just a bunch of pretenders who claim to have the best interest of the game in mind.

 

[Princejain191]

Should be a 4 group 16-team tournament, with two of the top eight teams divided into each group. Gives more meaning to each match, generates more interest and produces exciting cricket. Two teams from each group advance to quarters. And the 31 matches can be completed in less than 25 days.

The fear of a 2007 repeat still haunts ICC. It needs to realise how big an opportunity a WC is to increase the global reach. An upset can change the game in a country for generations. And competition and quality of associate cricket has never been better. 10-team WC was always a horrible idea.

 

[Hasan123]

WC should be the best of the best. World T20s should be used to include minnow teams.

 

[IndianFan2018]

Do you still think India or other subcontinental fans will bother about cricket in the future with the same old teams playing over and over again?

In India, popularity of football is increasing dramatically. Same in the case in BD. Heck football is actually more followed in BD among the educated public. The new generation in the subcontinent don't follow cricket crazily enough.

So as you can see, the popularity of the sport is waning especially in the demographic that matters the most- young and/or educated public.

Value of IPL 2.5 billion gives different picture at least for India viewers and market. Star India business minds are not fools to invest huge amount of $$$$ for next 5 years, just for 2 months per year of broadcasting IPL.

DSport, Ten Sports/ESPN/Sony etc are investigating for other international matches along with Star India for India broadcast rights for all matches around the world.

BD fans watching football or golf doesn't make jack of difference for what biggest cricketing market Indian viewers think.Growing economy of India will pump more money in foreseeable future as well.

India with billion people Football, Kabbaddi, Badminton, Tennis ..ping-pong can all grow and earn fans and money.

I can bet my last $ ... no other sport can takeover Cricket in India, as stated many other sports can grow on their own.

PS: This statement I'm making as long time cricket follower and Indian by seeing ground reality.. cheers

 

[IndianFan2018]

But the monopoly is what it's all about

IPL will remain but it won't be far ahead of other events if the overall popularity of the sport drops.

People are watching IPL for entertainment and family time in summers, students and pub goers love IPL matches.

Indian movie business is billion dollar worth, main source of income is from desis and expats living world wide, same lines IPL will make money !

But I always prefer Internationals more than IPL, if other cricket boards don't wake up start becoming independent and make more profit for themselves and inturn ICC, no one can help them !

On topic, whatever changes you make to WC format, as long as India remains major contributor, final decision to any changes to WC has to get sign-off from BCCI

 

[IndianFan2018]

The Reason why ICC is so dependant on the subcontinent and especially India is because that is where 90% of the revenue come from. That's an open secret. 95% of die hard cricket fans are from Asia itself.

Like I said ICC is a failed organization who have barely done anything to make the game more marketable and also increase its popularity in different countries. ICC doesn't have smart people running it, just a bunch of pretenders who claim to have the best interest of the game in mind.

More than blaming ICC, need to blame all incompetent member boards who are holidaying and enjoying ICC share of money instead of looking to become independent and profitable on own.

PCB is handicapped due to outside forces, can't blame them for not making much profit. Should appreciate PCB for trying PSL outside ..atleast they are trying.

BD is also doing good lately with crazy fan base and improved national team.

ENG and AUS have history and ashes to survive.

What about others SL, WI, NZ, SA, Zim all still dependent on ICC and India tours to make profit and grow ...

 

[cricketindiafan]

Too late. But the decision was made 2-3 years back. There were bound to be heartaches.

How the ICC can further help these nations now is by organizing lot more bilateral matches (at least for all nations with ODI status).

As for blaming ICC, well the associates and minnows have had not got better support, both financially and administratively, at any time than in the last 3-4 years.

 

[Executioner]

More than blaming ICC, need to blame all incompetent member boards who are holidaying and enjoying ICC share of money instead of looking to become independent and profitable on own.

PCB is handicapped due to outside forces, can't blame them for not making much profit. Should appreciate PCB for trying PSL outside ..atleast they are trying.

BD is also doing good lately with crazy fan base and improved national team.

ENG and AUS have history and ashes to survive.

What about others SL, WI, NZ, SA, Zim all still dependent on ICC and India tours to make profit and grow ...

No doubt all other boards are to be blamed but hey let me tell you where it went wrong.

Because cricket never became a global sport it never got fans from another nation. If for example cricket was an Olympic sport in the 80s then there would be lot more cricket stadiums, facilities, players and fanbase in countries outside the top 10 cricket sides. Cricket would be a sport which would also be given importance from government.

Do you know why cricket thrived in Bangladesh? Because government were pretty supportive of cricket in the 90s and early 00s when we were financially poor. But hey government did not have elsewhere to focus upon.

While I agree every board has its flaws but I must also say that ICC is the ruling body of cricket and it's not taking control of anything. It's only making the game more elite.

I posted something like this a month back. When I was young I thought cricket would become a global sport. I am 23 years old now and what I see is the format of the WC is pretty much similar to that of 92 WC. Its one step forward and two step back. To make matters worse cricket is less popular these days than it was in the 90s.

 

[cricketindiafan]

No doubt all other boards are to be blamed but hey let me tell you where it went wrong.

Because cricket never became a global sport it never got fans from another nation. If for example cricket was an Olympic sport in the 80s then there would be lot more cricket stadiums, facilities, players and fanbase in countries outside the top 10 cricket sides. Cricket would be a sport which would also be given importance from government.

Do you know why cricket thrived in Bangladesh? Because government were pretty supportive of cricket in the 90s and early 00s when we were financially poor. But hey government did not have elsewhere to focus upon.

While I agree every board has its flaws but I must also say that ICC is the ruling body of cricket and it's not taking control of anything. It's only making the game more elite.

I posted something like this a month back. When I was young I thought cricket would become a global sport. I am 23 years old now and what I see is the format of the WC is pretty much similar to that of 92 WC. Its one step forward and two step back. To make matters worse cricket is less popular these days than it was in the 90s.

Where did you get the last part from? People may not be watching in stadiums because digital access has improved.

 

[Last Monetarist]

Where did you get the last part from? People may not be watching in stadiums because digital access has improved.

He's right, the only place where cricket is truly thriving is India. In England, interest outside a certain class of people who can afford pay-tv, the sport barely registers, which was certainly not the case in the nineties. In Australia, most fans don't really care what happens outside the Ashes series. Whereas, in SA the state of the crowds is frankly downright pathetic. While we all know what has happened to countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe. The sport is dying a slow, egregious death.

 

[cricketindiafan]

No doubt all other boards are to be blamed but hey let me tell you where it went wrong.

Because cricket never became a global sport it never got fans from another nation. If for example cricket was an Olympic sport in the 80s then there would be lot more cricket stadiums, facilities, players and fanbase in countries outside the top 10 cricket sides. Cricket would be a sport which would also be given importance from government.

Do you know why cricket thrived in Bangladesh? Because government were pretty supportive of cricket in the 90s and early 00s when we were financially poor. But hey government did not have elsewhere to focus upon.

While I agree every board has its flaws but I must also say that ICC is the ruling body of cricket and it's not taking control of anything. It's only making the game more elite.

I posted something like this a month back. When I was young I thought cricket would become a global sport. I am 23 years old now and what I see is the format of the WC is pretty much similar to that of 92 WC. Its one step forward and two step back. To make matters worse cricket is less popular these days than it was in the 90s.

He's right, the only place where cricket is truly thriving is India. In England, interest outside a certain class of people who can afford pay-tv, the sport barely registers, which was certainly not the case in the nineties. In Australia, most fans don't really care what happens outside the Ashes series. Whereas, in SA the state of the crowds is frankly downright pathetic. While we all know what has happened to countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe. The sport is dying a slow, egregious death.

One look at mind boggling price TV rights are fetching across countries suggests reverse of what is being claimed! No business will put in that kind of money if public interest was indeed dwindling.

 

[Usman Chadda]

I really hope they dont. The quality of cricket in the ongoing tournament has been rubbish. WC15 had a lot of games which were unwatchable from a viewer's perspective.

 

[Mainul]

I just hate to think that I won't see Zimbabwe ,Ireland and Scotland in 2019 WC.

 

[Mainul]

The top teams give close contest?!!! Just look at the results of these matches involving the top 8 ranked teams in 2015 WC.Newzealand beat Srilanka by 98 runs (NZ 331/6 and SL 233 all out).Australia beat England by 111 runs (Australia 342/9,Eng 231 all out).India beat Pakistan by 76 runs(India 300/7,Pakistan 224 all out).NZ beat England by 8 wickets (England 123 all out,NZ 125/2).WI beat Pakistan by 150 runs (WI 310/6,Pak 160 all).India beat SA by 130 runs (India 307/7, SA 177 all out).SA beat WI by 257 runs(SA 408/5,WI 151 all out) .SL beat England by 9 wickets. ( Eng 309/6, SL 312/1).Australia beat SL by 64 runs ( Australia 376/9,SL 312 all out) .These one sided boring matches are of group stage.

 

[Mainul]

Now look at the knockout stage of 2015. 1st Quarter-Final: South Africa v Sri Lanka .South Africa won by 9 wickets (with 192 balls remaining).
3rd Quarter-Final: Australia v Pakistan
Australia won by 6 wickets (with 97 balls remaining)
Pakistan 213 (49.5/50 ov); Australia 216/4 (33.5/50 ov)
Sri Lanka 133 (37.2/50 ov); South Africa 134/1 (18/50 ov)


4th Quarter-Final: New Zealand v West Indies
New Zealand won by 143 runs
New Zealand 393/6 (50/50 ov); West Indies 250 (30.3/50 ov)

2nd Semi-Final: Australia v India
Australia 328/7 (50/50 ov); India 233 (46.5/50 ov)


Final: Australia v New Zealand
Australia won by 7 wickets (with 101 balls remaining)
New Zealand 183 (45/50 ov); Australia 186/3 (33.1/50 ov)

 

[Donal Cozzie]

The only positive of the 10 Team WC is that the morons who've blamed every bad WC on Associates will have nobody to blame when it turns into a snoozefest with about 20 dead rubber matches.

A group stage of 10 teams that lasts over a month.

A FREAKING MONTH.

ITS EVEN LONGER THAN THE OLD FORMAT.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

The only positive of the 10 Team WC is that the morons who've blamed every bad WC on Associates will have nobody to blame when it turns into a snoozefest with about 20 dead rubber matches.

A group stage of 10 teams that lasts over a month.

A FREAKING MONTH.

ITS EVEN LONGER THAN THE OLD FORMAT.

It's the dumbest format ever.
The only reason is there are 9 guaranteed BCCI games, so ICC make money.
This should have been at least 12 team wc with same format as this qualifier.

 

[Executioner]

One look at mind boggling price TV rights are fetching across countries suggests reverse of what is being claimed! No business will put in that kind of money if public interest was indeed dwindling.

Then why is is ICC reducing participation of teams in world cups

 

[moghul]

Don't want to see more than 10 teams in WC. If I travel to watch WC, I want to see competitive matches, all of them, not something like Australia Vs Afghanistan or India Vs Ireland. I'm already not happy with test status awarded to a team which just lost to who---------- Hong Kong and UAE. Gimme a break !!!------FGS.

 

[Last Monetarist]

One look at mind boggling price TV rights are fetching across countries suggests reverse of what is being claimed! No business will put in that kind of money if public interest was indeed dwindling.

That's a pretty regressive view of life in general, if money is considered the only indicator of success. Be that as it may, you have to be desperately obtuse to even think that the media landscape is similar to what it was 20 years ago.

 

[Mainul]

The only positive of the 10 Team WC is that the morons who've blamed every bad WC on Associates will have nobody to blame when it turns into a snoozefest with about 20 dead rubber matches.

A group stage of 10 teams that lasts over a month.

A FREAKING MONTH.

ITS EVEN LONGER THAN THE OLD FORMAT.

Just go through my previous two posts.The top 8 teams gifted us 13 one sided boring matches when they played against each others in last world cup. And they are saying that matches involving associates (Ireland ,Afgans are full member though) one sided!!! Even I see most of the matches involving associates creats more competion.

 

[Mainul]

Don't want to see more than 10 teams in WC. If I travel to watch WC, I want to see competitive matches, all of them, not something like Australia Vs Afghanistan or India Vs Ireland. I'm already not happy with test status awarded to a team which just lost to who---------- Hong Kong and UAE. Gimme a break !!!------FGS.

The top teams give close contest among them?!!! Just look at the results of these matches involving the then top 8 ranked teams in 2015 WC.Newzealand beat Srilanka by 98 runs (NZ 331/6 and SL 233 all out).Australia beat England by 111 runs (Australia 342/9,Eng 231 all out).India beat Pakistan by 76 runs(India 300/7,Pakistan 224 all out).NZ beat England by 8 wickets (England 123 all out,NZ 125/2).WI beat Pakistan by 150 runs (WI 310/6,Pak 160 all).India beat SA by 130 runs (India 307/7, SA 177 all out).SA beat WI by 257 runs(SA 408/5,WI 151 all out) .SL beat England by 9 wickets. ( Eng 309/6, SL 312/1).Australia beat SL by 64 runs ( Australia 376/9,SL 312 all out) .These one sided boring matches are of group stage.

Then the knockout stage. 1st Quarter-Final: South Africa v Sri Lanka .South Africa won by 9 wickets (with 192 balls remaining).
3rd Quarter-Final: Australia v Pakistan
Australia won by 6 wickets (with 97 balls remaining)
Pakistan 213 (49.5/50 ov); Australia 216/4 (33.5/50 ov)
Sri Lanka 133 (37.2/50 ov); South Africa 134/1 (18/50 ov)


4th Quarter-Final: New Zealand v West Indies
New Zealand won by 143 runs
New Zealand 393/6 (50/50 ov); West Indies 250 (30.3/50 ov)

2nd Semi-Final: Australia v India
Australia 328/7 (50/50 ov); India 233 (46.5/50 ov)


Final: Australia v New Zealand
Australia won by 7 wickets (with 101 balls remaining)
New Zealand 183 (45/50 ov); Australia 186/3 (33.1/50 ov

So 5 out of 7 knockout games were were one sided boring affairs. Games involving Ireland ,Zimbabwe ,Bangladesh,Afganistan were more thrilling,competitive.

 

[Mainul]

Pool B: Ireland v West Indies at Nelson - Feb 16, 2015
Ireland won by 4 wickets (with 25 balls remaining)
West Indies 304/7 (50/50 ov); Ireland 307/6 (45.5/50 ov)

Pool A: New Zealand v Scotland at Dunedin - Feb 17, 2015
New Zealand won by 3 wickets (with 151 balls remaining)
Scotland 142 (36.2/50 ov); New Zealand 146/7 (24.5/50 ov)

Pool B: United Arab Emirates v Zimbabwe at Nelson - Feb 19, 2015
Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets (with 12 balls remaining)
United Arab Emirates 285/7 (50/50 ov); Zimbabwe 286/6 (48/50 ov)


Pool A: Afghanistan v Sri Lanka at Dunedin - Feb 22, 2015
Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets (with 10 balls remaining)
Afghanistan 232 (49.4/50 ov); Sri Lanka 236/6 (48.2/50 ov)


Pool B: Ireland v United Arab Emirates at Brisbane - Feb 25, 2015
Ireland won by 2 wickets (with 4 balls remaining)
United Arab Emirates 278/9 (50/50 ov); Ireland 279/8 (49.2/50 ov)

Pool A: Afghanistan v Scotland at Dunedin - Feb 26, 2015
Afghanistan won by 1 wicket (with 3 balls remaining)
Scotland 210 (50/50 ov); Afghanistan 211/9 (49.3/50 ov)

Pool B: Pakistan v Zimbabwe at Brisbane - Mar 1, 2015
Pakistan won by 20 runs
Pakistan 235/7 (50/50 ov); Zimbabwe 215 (49.4/50 ov)

Pool A: Bangladesh v Scotland at Nelson - Mar 5, 2015
Bangladesh won by 6 wickets (with 11 balls remaining)
Scotland 318/8 (50/50 ov); Bangladesh 322/4 (48.1/50 ov)

Pool B: Ireland v Zimbabwe at Hobart - Mar 7, 2015
Ireland won by 5 runs
Ireland 331/8 (50/50 ov); Zimbabwe 326 (49.3/50 ov)

Pool A: Bangladesh v England at Adelaide - Mar 9, 2015
Bangladesh won by 15 runs
Bangladesh 275/7 (50/50 ov); England 260 (48.3/50 ov)

Pool A: New Zealand v Bangladesh at Hamilton - Mar 13, 2015
New Zealand won by 3 wickets (with 7 balls remaining)
Bangladesh 288/7 (50/50 ov); New Zealand 290/7 (48.5/50 ov)

These are some of the results involving the minnows,associates of last world cup.They were not one sided matches at all

 

[Convict]

They should but they won't.

15 team world cup, 5 groups of 3 with super six is the way to go. Unfortunately tv rights have already been sold and schedules already made.

 

[Convict]

He's right, the only place where cricket is truly thriving is India. In England, interest outside a certain class of people who can afford pay-tv, the sport barely registers, which was certainly not the case in the nineties. In Australia, most fans don't really care what happens outside the Ashes series. Whereas, in SA the state of the crowds is frankly downright pathetic. While we all know what has happened to countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe. The sport is dying a slow, egregious death.

Only ODIs.

 

[WildSwing]

The only positive of the 10 Team WC is that the morons who've blamed every bad WC on Associates will have nobody to blame when it turns into a snoozefest with about 20 dead rubber matches.

A group stage of 10 teams that lasts over a month.

A FREAKING MONTH.

ITS EVEN LONGER THAN THE OLD FORMAT.

What if it turns out to be a great world cup? I think the present 10 team format is the best.

 

[PakLFC]

I don't see Cricket spreading much around the world. Europeans, Russia, China, American region, Middle East, Far East, Africa and Canada are least interested in it. Even the newer teams don't give the top boys much competition. Bangladesh, formed so many years back are still minnows struggling to defeat any top sides. Together with the likes of Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are just there to make numbers as we'll see at next year world cup. By comparison there will be plenty of shocks at this years Football world cup which is the real deal. I have always looked upon Cricket as mostly a Sport for countries that have no chance of qualifying or doing well at the Football WC.

 

[BDfanforever]

I don't see Cricket spreading much around the world. Europeans, Russia, China, American region, Middle East, Far East, Africa and Canada are least interested in it. Even the newer teams don't give the top boys much competition. Bangladesh, formed so many years back are still minnows struggling to defeat any top sides. Together with the likes of Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are just there to make numbers as we'll see at next year world cup. By comparison there will be plenty of shocks at this years Football world cup which is the real deal. I have always looked upon Cricket as mostly a Sport for countries that have no chance of qualifying or doing well at the Football WC.

What are you talking about? Football is also dominated by top tier teams.

 

[PakLFC]

What are you talking about? Football is also dominated by top tier teams.

Top teams like Italy, Holland, Cameroon and Chile did not even qualify for the WC finals.There will be many shocks in the tournament as well. We hardly see that in the Cricket WC.

 

[Napa]

What is a world Cup? A tournament where only 10 teams participate

Much better than the "World Series" of baseball where only 1 country participates!

 

[jagatk]

Top teams like Italy, Holland, Cameroon and Chile did not even qualify for the WC finals.There will be many shocks in the tournament as well. We hardly see that in the Cricket WC.

Holland and Cameroon are not big teams anymore.

 

[PakLFC]

Holland and Cameroon are not big teams anymore.

"Anymore" does not mean ever. There is no comparison between Football and Cricket. It's not even close.

 

[BDfanforever]

"Anymore" does not mean ever. There is no comparison between Football and Cricket. It's not even close.

Football is rarely played at international level as it is mostly played at club level. Top tier teams like Germany/Brazil/Spain/France will always dominate just like how top teams in Cricket dominates.

In fact, BD have better chance of Beating Australia than Nigeria does of beating Germany.

But yes, Football World Cup no other sports will match but it only occurs after four years. Club football is extremely boring.

 

[CanadianG00se]

I highly doubt ICC would change the format when World Cup is now 14or so months away. If ICC are serious about changing the format then it must be done in next 2months or so, as tickets would be out for sale by this summer(?), and once tickets available it will be near impossible to change the format.

The only obstacle to change the format will come from broadcaster as they have been guaranteed minimum 9 Indian matches (most of them includes non minnows) which would go down for 4or 5 if the format have been changed. I doubt broadcaster would be ok with that no matter how crazy 10WC sounds.

For a cricket worldcup to be truly global, they need more markets and more viewers from different countries. As of now, majority of the viewers are from one nation.

 

[PakLFC]

Football is rarely played at international level as it is mostly played at club level. Top tier teams like Germany/Brazil/Spain/France will always dominate just like how top teams in Cricket dominates.

In fact, BD have better chance of Beating Australia than Nigeria does of beating Germany.

But yes, Football World Cup no other sports will match but it only occurs after four years. Club football is extremely boring.

Football at international level is much much bigger then Cricket, it's not even close. The purest form of Cricket is played in empty stadiums where as most international Football matches are sell outs. Who are Cricket fans trying to kid on?? There are many more top sides in Football compared to Cricket, I see England, Argentina, Netherlands, and Italy as top sides as well, just coz Italy and Netherlands did not qualify for the WC does not mean they are not good. Cricket is not growing at all, it will always be a minority Sport mostly played by Sports underachieving countries mainly ones from the subcontinent, it's a colonial hangover! Cricket is only played by about ten serious countries that gives minnows a better chance against the big boys.

 

[Rayyman]

I'm fine with the 2019 WC format (10 teams), as long as the T20 WC has at least 16 teams.

 

[Shutdown Corner]

Football at international level is much much bigger then Cricket, it's not even close. The purest form of Cricket is played in empty stadiums where as most international Football matches are sell outs. Who are Cricket fans trying to kid on?? There are many more top sides in Football compared to Cricket, I see England, Argentina, Netherlands, and Italy as top sides as well, just coz Italy and Netherlands did not qualify for the WC does not mean they are not good. Cricket is not growing at all, it will always be a minority Sport mostly played by Sports underachieving countries mainly ones from the subcontinent, it's a colonial hangover! Cricket is only played by about ten serious countries that gives minnows a better chance against the big boys.

Soccer doesn't have international bilaterals like cricket does. In cricket the IPL, BBL are just sideshows. But in soccer, EPL, La Liga, Serie A, etc are the biggest attraction. No one really cares about friendlies, and I don't even think the top teams play each other outside of Euro or FIFA WC. I could be wrong though as I don't follow soccer.

International cricket IS cricket, whereas in soccer international cricket is only every 2 years with UEFA and FIFA WCs alternating and the main interest, # of games, and money exists in the various premier leagues.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

No. Cricket is not soccer. Test and 50 over cricket will only be popular in a handful of nations and there's no way having countries like Zimbabwe ,Afghanistan will generate revenues. T20 is the only fornat that is likely to generate that kind of revenue anywhere and im fine with adopting the soccer world cup format for t20s

 

[Rayyman]

I highly doubt ICC would change the format when World Cup is now 14or so months away. If ICC are serious about changing the format then it must be done in next 2months or so, as tickets would be out for sale by this summer(?), and once tickets available it will be near impossible to change the format.

The only obstacle to change the format will come from broadcaster as they have been guaranteed minimum 9 Indian matches (most of them includes non minnows) which would go down for 4or 5 if the format have been changed. I doubt broadcaster would be ok with that no matter how crazy 10WC sounds.

For a cricket worldcup to be truly global, they need more markets and more viewers from different countries. As of now, majority of the viewers are from one nation.

9 matches? What's the format?

 

[CanadianG00se]

9 matches? What's the format?

10 teams play a match against each team.

 

[leatherface58]

No wonder this sport is dying. ICC won't let newer teams into the fold and have created this cliquish culture where only the big boys play. Soon enough, people get bored of watching the same teams play over and over and they move on. Tests even in India do not draw a full house most of the time.

 

[Executioner]

No. Cricket is not soccer. Test and 50 over cricket will only be popular in a handful of nations and there's no way having countries like Zimbabwe ,Afghanistan will generate revenues. T20 is the only fornat that is likely to generate that kind of revenue anywhere and im fine with adopting the soccer world cup format for t20s

Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have fanbase too especially the former.

And ICC is not only reducing matches in 50 over format but making T20 WCl literally have a qualifier within itself