No change to ’10 balls’ cricket any time soon in Thame

FOLLOWING the news of proposed changes by the ECB (English Cricket Board) to make cricket ‘more attractive’, members of Thame Town Cricket Club have been responding to the news, and generally, are not too happy!

Cricket at Church Meadow, photo coutesy of Mark Lord

The ECB has announced a new eight-team domestic competition for First Class Counties and MCC, based on the simple format of ‘100 balls’ for each team, starting in 2020.

Spokesperson for TTCC, Andy Jinman, told ThameNews.Net: “I have taken soundings with a few players and supporters about the ‘100 ball” proposal – by no means a scientific study, but the general consensus seems to be that T20 is short enough; why try to shorten it even further? Is thisjust a marketing gimmick, trying to go even further (but probably too far) down the route of “shorter is better”?

“Competitions like the IPL, the Big Bash etc are hugely successful in their respective countries, so the feeling is that the ECB should concentrate on making the new UK T20 competitions work well, rather than being distracted by ‘100 balls’.

“As for the final over of 10 balls, I haven’t found a single bowler that fancies being hit to all parts of the ground for 10 balls, rather than just for 6!”

Andy concluded: “Finally, TTCC hopes to have midweek T20 matches next season for adults, once the new clubhouse is ready, but no plans for this 100-ball format!”

Announcing the changes on April 19, 2018, ECB’s Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison said: “This is a fresh and exciting idea which will appeal to a younger audience and attract new fans to the game. Throughout its development, we have shown leadership, provided challenge and followed a process. We will continue to do that as the concept evolves.

“Our game has a history of innovation and we have a duty to look for future growth for the health and sustainability of the whole game. There are 18 First Class Counties, playing red and white ball cricket, at our core and these Counties and competitions will be supported, promoted and benefit from the game’s growth.”

ECB Chief Commercial Officer, Sanjay Patel, MD for the new competition, said: “The development team has had strong support and encouragement in its conversations to date and it’s time to take the concept wider as we build the detail. This is 100-ball cricket, a simple approach to reach a new generation. Based on fifteen traditional 6-ball overs, the other ten balls will add a fresh tactical dimension. Crucially, this will also help differentiate this competition from Vitality Blast and other T20 competitions worldwide, maintaining our game’s history of successful innovation.

“The players and our valuable broadcast partners under the new TV partnerships from 2020-24 are vital to the success of this competition and they will see the energy, excitement and simplicity of this approach.”

Clare Connor CBE, Director of Women’s Cricket at ECB, said: “Our World Cup win at Lord’s last July showed what’s possible in terms of our sport reaching a new, younger and more diverse audience. Kia Super League has had a huge impact on participation, player development and the profile of our game. It was a big investment and a bold decision by the Board and paved the way for this next stage of growth.

“To build the women’s and men’s competitions and identities together, side by side, is a prospect that few sports ever have and will give us greater reach, scale and prominence. It will attract more women and girls to the game, ensure that cricket reaches and entertains more families and give our players an exciting stage upon which to display their talent.”