The Limits to Growth
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2018 11:53 am
Crickets come a long way since 1985/6…bouncers, third umpires, video replays, fielding restrictions, day night matches, pink and white balls, associate world cups, T20, big bats, internet and cable TV, empty stadiums, batting and bowling coaches, foreign appointments, increased media scrutiny, big money sponsors, cricket millionaires etc.
Some things though, like three stumps and two bails at each end, are destined to remain the same.
BWICBC administrators have already admitted that funding for stadium and training facilities in every one of its member states falls under the jurisdiction of the national governments, they also concede education of nationals from school to U15 level is also the responsibility of the regional governments.
Additionally the big eIDjaT himself, only last month accepted his private organisation have a handicap compared to all other ICC members because unlike their sovereign opponents, BWICBC cannot access funds from a sports ministry.
Of late, the Antiguan government have made every conceivable concession to help address this imbalance and resuscitate BWICBC’s flagging operation, as a result Coolidge – in all but name – is now the venue of preference for the majority of their fixtures.
Hosting matches in one location both logistically and financially is sound practice, although historically that suggestion has been fiercely opposed when accompanied by talk of going it alone….from those very same people who today champion the idea as innovative.
The Antigua governments enthusiasm, however detrimental to others member’s chances of obtaining a fair share of their own tourist dollars, is not found among the general population, who stay away.
For two decades, dwindling interest and a shi**y product has accompanied their fall down the rankings till today, their invitational XI is no longer guaranteed automatic entry into any of ICC’s gala events. Hopefully, the shortfall in income will force some sort of change at factories rd, operationally or otherwise but I won’t count on it. Change, if any, is more likely to be forced on them from outside.
Chasing after T20 loan fees and tourist dollars during high season is not against the law but at some stage you realise each member has a national government that is ideally suited to meet the needs of its own tourist industry….and its sports agencies.
Today’s reality is BWI cricketers are fully extended by associates who finances are ringfenced by the ICC, have a clear pathway to full member status and are allowed the chance to compete at the biggest ICC event.
30 years ago there were no such opportunities for associates so those can be added to the long list of changes. Pending entry into the list of things that will remain the same is a BWI president who explains the sovereign benefits Ireland, Afghanistan and Scotland have over his private corporation 30 years from now….#rally
Some things though, like three stumps and two bails at each end, are destined to remain the same.
BWICBC administrators have already admitted that funding for stadium and training facilities in every one of its member states falls under the jurisdiction of the national governments, they also concede education of nationals from school to U15 level is also the responsibility of the regional governments.
Additionally the big eIDjaT himself, only last month accepted his private organisation have a handicap compared to all other ICC members because unlike their sovereign opponents, BWICBC cannot access funds from a sports ministry.
Of late, the Antiguan government have made every conceivable concession to help address this imbalance and resuscitate BWICBC’s flagging operation, as a result Coolidge – in all but name – is now the venue of preference for the majority of their fixtures.
Hosting matches in one location both logistically and financially is sound practice, although historically that suggestion has been fiercely opposed when accompanied by talk of going it alone….from those very same people who today champion the idea as innovative.
The Antigua governments enthusiasm, however detrimental to others member’s chances of obtaining a fair share of their own tourist dollars, is not found among the general population, who stay away.
For two decades, dwindling interest and a shi**y product has accompanied their fall down the rankings till today, their invitational XI is no longer guaranteed automatic entry into any of ICC’s gala events. Hopefully, the shortfall in income will force some sort of change at factories rd, operationally or otherwise but I won’t count on it. Change, if any, is more likely to be forced on them from outside.
Chasing after T20 loan fees and tourist dollars during high season is not against the law but at some stage you realise each member has a national government that is ideally suited to meet the needs of its own tourist industry….and its sports agencies.
Today’s reality is BWI cricketers are fully extended by associates who finances are ringfenced by the ICC, have a clear pathway to full member status and are allowed the chance to compete at the biggest ICC event.
30 years ago there were no such opportunities for associates so those can be added to the long list of changes. Pending entry into the list of things that will remain the same is a BWI president who explains the sovereign benefits Ireland, Afghanistan and Scotland have over his private corporation 30 years from now….#rally