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International cricket, which started as Test matches a century ago, has evolved over time into 50-over matches and today has grown into 20-over matches. Among them, T20 matches which give unexpected thriller twists in 3-4 hours compared to Test and ODI matches are more attractive to the fans. With that in mind, T20 series like IPL and Big Bash, which were initially started with the aim of producing quality young players, have become a business today. All the countries of the world have created their own T20 and T10 series especially after seeing the IPL series which has seen exponential growth.
South Africa and the United States have made 2 new T20 series in 2023 that we are not lazy. The point here is that these new series are producing a lot of world class cricketers. Their livelihood also increases. But when these series were newly formed, the year does not have 700 days instead of 365 days. This means that the number of international tournaments has decreased due to the advent of T20 series like IPL and has faced a lot of crisis.
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For example, the IPL, which was being held for 60 matches, has expanded to 74 matches this year and will further expand to 84 and 94 matches in 2025. Therefore, international competitions have to be held at very close intervals. Test matches, which are considered the lifeblood of cricket, are particularly affected. In this case, England captain Ben Stokes has said that although the arrival of T20 matches is beneficial for the players playing in it, it is destroying international cricket.
He also said that the ICC should somehow prevent all countries including England from changing the international schedule as per their wish. He has been bought for 16.50 crores for the Chennai team in the IPL series, following an action-oriented approach in test cricket which is appreciated by all. However, as far as he is concerned, Ben Stokes, who boldly says that international matches, including Tests, are important, indirectly attacked the IPL series and spoke as follows in a recent interview.
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“Test cricket is being talked about in a way that I don’t like. It is losing fans’ attention to new formats (T20) and teams with franchises (IPL, Big Bash). We understand that a lot of players get a lot of opportunities outside of Test cricket. But as far as I am concerned, Tests are very important for the game. I love playing test cricket. I felt we could do something different with it.”
“In Test cricket, everyone should focus on making every day entertaining rather than looking at the outcome of the match. Play in such a way that the fans don’t know what’s going to happen. So if the fans are interested in what happens before the ball is bowled, that’s where you will have real success. Similarly, the schedule of international matches does not attract anyone’s attention.”
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“For example the ODI series England played against Australia after the T20 World Cup. The 3 matches there showed a lack of proper planning. Some say you play for England and that should be enough. But there are a lot more factors involved.”
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“And you want international cricket to be of a standard. But there are many different teams and players to rest and choose from. This is not the best way for international cricket to go. They (ICC) have to find a solution to this,” he said.
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