Daily Times

Modern cricket has entered an era of speed and commercialization. Today, fans worldwide prefer watching dynamic and shorter formats of the game. To cater to this demand, ICC member countries are preparing sporting pitches conducive to high-scoring matches. This era can rightly be called the “Batter’s Era,” as numerous restrictions on fast bowlers have diminished their dominance.

In the 1970s and 1980s, West Indian fast bowlers were a symbol of terror, known as the “Calypso Hurricanes.” They wreaked havoc on even the flattest wickets, often securing match-winning performances on India’s spin-friendly pitches. However, new ICC regulations eventually curbed their impact, limiting the use of bouncers and short-pitched deliveries, thereby reducing the potency of fast bowling.

With the advent of T20 cricket, scores that once seemed formidable, like 150 in 20 overs, have escalated. Today, teams regularly target 250+ in T20s, while 350 in ODIs is considered a competitive score. Test cricket, too, has become faster and more decisive, with 90% of matches concluding within four days. Discussions are ongoing to officially reduce Test matches to four days, possibly limiting innings to 90 overs.

These changes are driven by commercial needs. Cricket has become a lucrative industry, with players often favoring shorter formats for financial benefits. For instance, many West Indies stars skip national commitments to play in global leagues. Pakistani players, too, focus on franchise cricket, making Test cricket less appealing due to its physical demands and comparatively lower pay.

A three-Test series might earn a player 5 million rupees, whereas a league appearance can fetch 50-100 million rupees. Consequently, experienced players now avoid longer formats, leaving Test cricket primarily to emerging talents. Future developments might even include 10-over matches, allowing multiple games on a single day, similar to sports like hockey and football.

Cricket’s transformation began in the 1970s and 1980s when Australian financier Kerry Packer revolutionized the game. He introduced colored kits, white balls, neutral umpires, speed guns, and advanced cameras in a league-style tournament. Packer’s vision attracted sponsors and ushered in an era of commercialized cricket. While many countries initially banned players participating in Packer’s series, ICC’s intervention eventually legitimized the concept, establishing the foundation of modern cricket.

However, cricket’s history also includes controversial chapters. During the 1970s, ICC banned South Africa from international cricket due to its apartheid policies. Despite the ban, South Africa hosted unofficial tours, leading to sanctions against players who participated. Pakistani cricketer Younis Ahmed, for instance, faced a long ban after playing in South Africa in 1973. Similarly, Sri Lanka’s first Test captain Bandula Warnapura received a lifetime ban for leading a rebel tour in 1982.

Notable incidents also involved West Indian and Australian players who faced repercussions for participating in unauthorized tours. These tours highlighted cricket’s struggle with ethical and political challenges during that era. South Africa’s isolation ended in 1991, but these events remain a reminder of cricket’s complex past.

Modern cricket is now a highly professional sport. Teams invest heavily in coaching staff, including batting, bowling, and fielding coaches, alongside physiotherapists, doctors, and IT experts. Players’ fitness is prioritized, and strategies are meticulously crafted to exploit opponents’ weaknesses.

The captain plays a pivotal role in any team’s success. A strong, proactive leader can inspire and guide a team to victory, while a weak captain may struggle to make timely decisions. In today’s cricket, most teams thrive under the leadership of captains who are both outstanding performers and effective strategists.

Modern cricket, with its dazzling technology, high-scoring matches, and competitive balance, has evolved dramatically. Smaller teams now challenge and defeat established cricketing giants, as seen in recent victories by New Zealand against India and Bangladesh against Pakistan on their home grounds. This evolution highlights cricket’s unpredictability, making it one of the most exciting sports in the world.