My masterplan would Blast off!
GIVEN all the ‘debate’ and opinion on the format of the T20 Blast over the last couple of days I thought I would weigh in with my own ideas for improvement.
I love the Blast and I go to as many fixtures at The Oval as possible. I have even purchased a season ticket for the first time this season (along with becoming a Surrey member).
I also follow the IPL (Mumbai Indians) and the BBL (Sydney Thunder) and think that both competions are fantastic.
I honestly believe, though, that the Blast rivals both the IPL and BBL in terms of quality cricket despite the lack of international superstars and I think I may have a way to not only keep the counties happy but also draw the big name players in for the whole tournament.
Format: As it stands the Blast has two groups (North and South) consisting of nine teams each. My suggestion is to run both groups parallel over four/five weeks during the summer, one game from both groups played every weekday evening with double-headers on Saturday and Sunday.
The final would be between the winners of each group, yes, no semi-finals! I realise that takes away the spectacle of Finals Day but I am sure an amicable alternative could be considered – perhaps the Women’s T20 final or a charity match.
A break in the international Test series could allow the England stars to appear for their counties along with visiting players (that might be tricky with a five-Test Ashes although the BBL/Cricket Australia seem to manage during their summer). Television coverage: Terrestrial/ coverage is essential in
my view. If there are two matches (four at the weekend) per day, surely the ECB can strike a fair deal with broadcasters to show alternate group games on free television with the final exclusive to terrestrial channels.
I’m a Sky subscriber and I think their coverage is excellent but this competition should be available to everybody.
The spectacle: A standard should be set to enhance the experience of the spectators (in stadium or via media). I’m not suggesting IPL gimmicks like the superfan or the Vivo box and commentators mentioning sponsors every five seconds (Yes Bank maximum for a six) but Zing bails, dancers and pyrotechnics should be included (live TV matches usually have the latter) at every game. CHRIS KNIGHTS via email