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Cricket’s future path is clear after recent forum


 Over the past three years, the landscape of professional cricket has undergone significant changes, many of which were merely emerging trends in mid-2021 but have now become prominent forces. The International Cricket Council (ICC) governs the sport globally, having taken over from the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Despite its reduced role, the MCC remains influential, with its current president, Mark Nicholas, initiating a forum called World Cricket Connects to discuss the future of cricket. This event, held at Lord's on July 5, gathered over 100 influential figures, including chairs and CEOs from ICC full members and associate nations, along with former and current players and executives of T20 franchises.

One notable absentee was Jay Shah, the powerful secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), who prioritized being photographed with the T20 World Cup Trophy in India over attending the forum. His absence was a significant blow, as the ICC chair remarked on the ICC’s shortcomings as a global governing body, highlighting the influence of India in cricket.

At the forum, Ravi Shastri proposed a promotion and relegation system for the 12 Test-playing nations, reflecting concerns about the costs of hosting Test matches. The ICC’s long-term vision aims for cricket to become the world’s favorite sport, focusing on organizing global events, building commercial partnerships, and promoting the sport. However, issues such as the influence of betting on the sport remain contentious and were not addressed at the forum.

T20 cricket has become the driving force in modern cricket, aligning with the ICC’s vision and facilitating the growth of the sport in new regions. However, this shift has raised concerns about the future of Test and ODI cricket. The financial pressures and viewership declines have led to discussions about reducing the number of "meaningless" matches and adjusting the formats to sustain the sport’s commercial viability.

In conclusion, professional cricket is increasingly influenced by commercial forces, particularly from India, with T20 cricket dominating due to its adaptability to broadcasting schedules. This commercial dominance threatens the traditional formats of Test and ODI cricket, necessitating adjustments to accommodate the new reality of commercialism and income-driven success.

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