Six and Out - Some Serious Cricket

Weekly Debate: Should cricket have off-season?

by Dinsa Sachan on February 9th, 2008

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The idea of off-season may be completely off to some. A previous post on it got, like, no response (We are thick-skinned. Heh), but however ill-fated it may be, we are determined to shop it around. For us, it’s the Great Romantic Novel (think Gone With the Wind). Someday someone will bite.

OK, the point now:

Why we think cricket should have an off-season every year?

* Players get rest and time to heal. Actually, if the ICC is even half-serious about preserving it’s trump cards, the players who bring in the crowds (that is, tickets, that is bucks), they’ve got to think about this. Shane Bond and Shaun Tait are quitting cricket. We won’t ever have the pleasure of watching them again. Brett Lee spent an entire decade battling with injuries and struggling with form. Now when he’s just three or four years away from retirement, we are witnessing some of his sparks of flair (I chose it over flashes of brilliance. Howzzat?) You could say the game is bigger than the players. Oh yeah it is. But pluck out Sachin, Sehwag out of the Indian team and then see how many turn in to watch matches. Players make the team– and the game. Nuff said. Now some science talking– there are some players who are more prone to injuries than others are. Let’s not delve into the intricacies of genetics and human physiology. Granted, but a temporary break can benefit every one.

* Those of you who watch American and British TV will understand where we are going with this now. Do you get Big Brother all the year round? Even producers of Hannah Montana air the show in chunks. They could go on for the year; it’s such a hit, but no, they don’t. Since sports are basically entertainment, the same strategy applies to them as well.

* Since players are humans….: This is our weakest argument, but here goes….Players have families and they deserve their time as well. Today, the cricketing year is so hectic that players barely see their kids. And wives. And, uh, girlfriends. Ask Shane Warne. He can tell you what devastations the tours can be to their personal lives.

* Injured players can recover. In peace. Every match you can’t play because you’re unfit is like a stab in your heart.

* Authorities can brainstorm a gameplan for the next season.

With IPL and ICL coming up, off season remains a dream. Alas…

Your turn now, boys and girls. Fire away. Do you think cricket needs an annual off-season? Or you think six and out is run by an idiot?

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POSTED IN: Cricket, Weekly Debate/Rant