Is the cricket season now just one continous loop?

Question

Why don't cricket boards make more of an effort to send their players abroad to gain experience in other countries? Aussies struggle on spin friendly sub-continent pitches, Indians struggle on bouncier wickets and so on. Years ago every state in the Sheffield shield competition usually had at least1 international player playing for them. These players were paid well and gained valuable experience on Australian wickets and that usually helped there all round game. I know many Australian high profile players would go and play off season in English county sides. Cricketers now play all year round and many high profile just play IPL when not on international duties. Gone are the days when players would spend an off season playing cricket in another country because in all honesty there is no off season these days.

Answer 1

I can see what you're saying and would have to agree...There doesn't seem to be an 'off-season' any more with all the cricket played around the world at all times of years. IPL, more international cricket and increasingly packed domestic schedules have all contributed.



While it is good for fans, the players need more time off to avoid burnout/work on technique etc. I think we have almost reached saturation point in terms of the amount of cricket now being played and it's something that needs to be seriously looked at.

Answer 2

I was thinking about exactly the same thing, one might even say its common sense. However the calender seems to fully packed rather crowded, players can't seem to get any breathers, not to mention tournaments like IPL, champions league etc, then playing for home counties as well. There should be some sort arrangements in place where by players can go play county cricket in different countries. So players can learn to horn their skills in different countries and conditions. It will also help produce better batsmen, and bowlers or spinners for teams that struggle.



Teams in counties in different countries should allow at least three foreign players, and home boards should encourage their players to take advantage of these opportunities.

Answer 3

I agree. Here we are with still five weeks before the footy finals start and Australia is playing test cricket. We used to have set breaks between the season with many players playing one of the footy codes in winter then back to first class cricket in the summer. The last one like that I remember was Graeme Hughes, second rower with Canterbury, played for NSW in league and also represented NSW in the Sheffield Shield as a batsman.

Answer 4

Don't reckon I'd use the term 'continuous loop', that implies something smooth and flowing.

'Dog's breakfast' seems more apt, with the calendar all over the place.

It goes for all cricket countries, rarely do you see a representative player turn out for their state/county team, much less their club side. It's valuable experience lost and not passed on to the next level or generation of player.

Commercial interest has run well ahead of the game and it's led to a decline in standard of play.

Answer 5

I think Craig is right.It is more of a dogs breakfast.But that's what is happening to cricket.It is no longer the ordered and friendly sport it once was and with players being lured to the sub continent with the promise of big money they no longer seem to care about either their country or getting more experience.Of course that isn't all players I realise but I would like to see it all go back to where it was 10 years ago.

Answer 6

You yourself answered your question. As there is no off season nowadays, its practically impossible for any player to go abroad and play in domestic leagues. But even if there was off season I highly doubt any player would do that, citing many problems like rest factor etc.

Answer 7

no, this is hot in cricket