Shipperd pleads for more games

CRICKET Australia and broadcasters Channel 7 and Foxtel have been urged to reconsider their decision to shorten the Big Bash.

Although the reduction in BBL matches isn’t slated to kick in until the new TV rights deal rolls over in two summers’ time, talks are currently underway between the networks and CA about whether or not to fast track the slashing of games from 61 to 43 to begin immediately next season.

Sydney Sixers championship-winning coach, Greg Shipperd has pleaded with Cricket Australia not to expedite the games cut, hopeful the Big Bash’s resurgence in TV ratings and crowd numbers can present a powerful enough case for administrators to change their minds on a permanent reduction. Shipperd took aim at CA for bowing to broadcaster pressure to cut the number of home and away matches per team from 14 to 10 in the first place, labelling it “crazy” and adamant it will hurt the next generation of Australian cricketers.

“Absolutely crazy. And with these recent results I would be bemused with the media stations that are controlling the narrative around reducing the competition,” Shipperd told News Corp. “I think it’s bad for our domestic players. You’ve got all the highly paid international superstars not even here and yet we’re braining it with crowds and eyeballs.

“Perhaps it might be some of the commentators, some of the ex-players that are leading the way behind the scenes to reduce from 14 games to 10. I’m not sure their motive around that but from a coaching point of view it won’t be good for our domestic players to play less cricket. I think playing more cricket is going to improve them and continue to strengthen this competition.”