HUNDRED ‘HIT AUDIENCES FOR SIX’
THE is going to “get bigger and better” in the coming years, spin legend Shane Warne and former England star Kevin Pietersen said, after the 100-ball-a-side competition enjoyed a successful inaugural edition.
The first edition of the event concluded in front of a full house at Lord’s last Saturday (21).
“I think it has gone beyond expectations,” London Spirit head coach Warne told Sky Sports.
“The cricket that has been on display, the skill from all the different teams at various times, has been outstanding.”
Oval Invincibles took the women’s title while Southern Brave triumphed in the men’s version.
“To see full houses everywhere you go, on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday night in Birmingham, Manchester, London – it has been packed and the crowds have really got into it and I think it’s been fantastic. It’s only going to get bigger and better with every year,” Warne added.
“I think it is sensational how it really has captured the imagination.”
The tournament was held amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which pushed back the start by a year.
The teams play a single innings made up of 100 balls each, with a game lasting about two and-a-half hours. It has been conceptualised to draw a younger audience to the sport.
Pietersen, a former England captain, was not surprised by the response the tournament received in its very first edition.
“It’s so cool to see franchise cricket in the UK,” Pietersen said.
“The one thing we know is that British public supports sport so well.
“No matter what it is, where it is – the Tour de France started in this country a few years ago and there were packed streets watching them.
“So you knew the big sports, a summer sport like cricket was going to be supported,” he said.
The star England batsman, who has also played some franchise cricket, added, “To see these scenes, to see franchise cricket here and to see it so well celebrated and supported – love it.
“My little lad, that’s the audience you want, you want the kids coming in, and he’s absolutely buzzing. He’s got his Southern Brave jumper on and is running around here.
“The guys (players) have been brilliant, giving up their time.”