The International Cricket Council (ICC) has made some progressive moves by approving the amendments to the playing conditions for Tests, ODIs and Twenty20 internationals. A couple of changes that will come into effect are likely to have a positive impact for sure. The decision to allow day-night Test matches is the most significant of all. While it would have been even better had the ICC even gone to the extent of deciding on the type and colour of the ball to be used, the approval is still worth appreciating considering the declining popularity of the five-day game.
Although the change cannot guarantee a renewed interest in Test matches, it will certainly give the longer version of the game a better chance of surviving the trials of harsh times. It is pretty much obvious by now that people cannot spend a day from morning to evening watching a Test match either from the confines of their bedrooms or at a stadium. This is exactly why the TV viewers as well as the crowds are moving away from the game. To bring them back into the equation, it was critical for some crucial measures to be taken. And, to their credit, the ICC has taken a step in the right direction.
One of the reasons why day-night ODIs have done well ever since their introduction is because people can come back from work and enjoy the latter part of the game even if they miss the earlierhalf. As for T20s, it is a complete win-win situation, as the game itself begins when most fans return from their daily chores. With Tests, the timing of the matches will be crucial. The men in charge must try and figure which is best time to play the five-day games so that the fans get to see a significant part of the day’s play, but at the same are able to reach work on time the next day. The five-day game can become famous again only if the younger generation also gets interested, and day-night games will certainly give Tests that fair opportunity.
There could be a bit of confusion over the type and colour of the ball to be used since the governing body has left it to the respective boards to decide on the same. Things may seem out of sync since there will be lack of uniformity if teams choose varied kinds and colours of balls. On the other hand, it could prove to be a sensible move since different countries can pick balls as per varying conditions in their respective nations. Then again, only time will tell if this non-conservative move works.
As for ODIs, ICC’s decision to allow two bouncers per over was a move that needed to be made long ago, to give bowlers something to play with. Even the decision to reduce the Powerplay blocks to two instead of three would make the game less complicated. Hopefully, cricket will be the ultimate winner under the revised conditions.
--By A Cricket Analyst
