-
Welcome to the Cricket Web forums, one of the biggest forums in the world dedicated to cricket.
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join the Cricket Web community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.
indian only viewed IPL
- Thread starter brockley
- Start date
Pigeon
Banned
Twas in a constructive manner tbhWhy do you always have to insist on bringing race into it Aussie?
Arjun
Cricketer Of The Year
These are my own observations/comments on this issue-
The stands being empty at the ground doesn't mean much- as has often been said, it's the Indian Premier League, so it has to have an Indian bias to it. The event was essentially an Indian tournament, and should be treated as such, and not like the forthcoming T20 Champions' League. Moreover, we found the matches slated for viewing convenience here in India, not for the fans in South Africa. In addition, we had several daytime matches through the week, not just on weekends. We can't even expect a sky-high TRP collection in India, let alone ticket sales in South Africa.
Besides, the teams that had the best Indian players, notably the North/West teams, had a very bad outing this season. All the Indian players in the tournament were in woeful form, which may have led to the early exit of these teams, and also the early exit of the Indian team from the World T20- the latter being blown out of proportion here. When there are no Indians among the top players in the semis and finals, there's not much fun for most of the Indians watching the league.
The IPL is Indian, just as the Ford Ranger Cup is Australian, or the C&G Trophy is English. All these leagues are packaged nicely, look good on television, and are made for their target audiences in the respective countries. The IPL have just gone the extra mile in ensuring that the event happens only when the Indians don't play, and most other teams have an off-season, and they have the cream of international cricketers as their overseas players.
This season's IPL was disappointing, for more reasons than one, but to pull it down because it's 'too Indian' isn't a good idea. I don't watch those Australian domestic matches shown on STAR Cricket, and not too many in India do. That's not a reason to pull down the Sheffield Shield or the Ford Ranger cup. If anything, the IPL folks need to return to their real fan base and try to consolidate on it, rather than try to make it a global brand, as it isn't one.
The stands being empty at the ground doesn't mean much- as has often been said, it's the Indian Premier League, so it has to have an Indian bias to it. The event was essentially an Indian tournament, and should be treated as such, and not like the forthcoming T20 Champions' League. Moreover, we found the matches slated for viewing convenience here in India, not for the fans in South Africa. In addition, we had several daytime matches through the week, not just on weekends. We can't even expect a sky-high TRP collection in India, let alone ticket sales in South Africa.
Besides, the teams that had the best Indian players, notably the North/West teams, had a very bad outing this season. All the Indian players in the tournament were in woeful form, which may have led to the early exit of these teams, and also the early exit of the Indian team from the World T20- the latter being blown out of proportion here. When there are no Indians among the top players in the semis and finals, there's not much fun for most of the Indians watching the league.
The IPL is Indian, just as the Ford Ranger Cup is Australian, or the C&G Trophy is English. All these leagues are packaged nicely, look good on television, and are made for their target audiences in the respective countries. The IPL have just gone the extra mile in ensuring that the event happens only when the Indians don't play, and most other teams have an off-season, and they have the cream of international cricketers as their overseas players.
This season's IPL was disappointing, for more reasons than one, but to pull it down because it's 'too Indian' isn't a good idea. I don't watch those Australian domestic matches shown on STAR Cricket, and not too many in India do. That's not a reason to pull down the Sheffield Shield or the Ford Ranger cup. If anything, the IPL folks need to return to their real fan base and try to consolidate on it, rather than try to make it a global brand, as it isn't one.
aussie
Hall of Fame Member
Marc go and sleep..Why do you always have to insist on bringing race into it Aussie?
Xuhaib
International Coach
I don't think test cricket crowds have declined much. Since my time of cricket watching which is 92-93 I don't ever remember good test crowds in Pak,SL,NZL and SA. hell I think crowds for Pak have been better in 00's then in 90's. Wi and Ind are the only two places where it has declined for WI it is understandable as team fortunes have changed so much and so rapidly, also just being a 6 million country the change in interest levels will be much more noticable.
India is a different case maybe with so much cricket available on TV and people being pushed to take time out of work, school has led to this falling crowds which still is quite impressive compared to other nations.
India is a different case maybe with so much cricket available on TV and people being pushed to take time out of work, school has led to this falling crowds which still is quite impressive compared to other nations.
Dissector
International Debutant
In India I think test crowds in the four bigger cities: Bombay, Calcutta, Madras and Delhi have generally been decent. Smaller cities like Nagpur and Mohali don't see good crowds. There is no point giving tests to such cities; keep the tests in the big cities and give the smaller places a few more ODI's to compensate. In fact stop giving ODI's to the metros so that the only way to see Team India live would be to attend a test.
Richard
Cricket Web Staff Member
Over-priced tickets have tended to be the biggest factor cited in the stuff I've read for why crowds in WI have declined, added to the increased TV coverage.
And the TV coverage has impacted in two ways, one quite predictable - that people have stayed home to watch for free instead of paying to go to the ground; two much less so - that people are now scared to take time off work by lying about being ill, due to the fear that their employers will spot them on TV and take disciplinary action. From a socio-economic POV, I suppose that's a good thing, but from a cricket one, it's a bit of a shame.
aussie
Hall of Fame Member
Yea. But SJS doesn't India grounds have a recent rule that fans can't carry bottles into test matches?. So i guess that why the recent series vs ENG/AUS where lacking the usual BIG crowds. Since i remember past AUS tours in 98, 2001 & 2004, the crowds where massive in all the tests.Mohali (Chandigarh) Test match during the last India-England Test match
SJS
Hall of Fame Member
You are right. In India no attempt has been made, to make the watching of a Test match (and it is most important for the longer version of the game) to make the spectators comfortable and make the watching of the game a pleasure. The proportion of the money that goes into providing decent infrastructure in Test grounds is ridiculously low. In most grounds you would prefer peeing in a bottle (if you were allowed to carry one) than go stand in mile long queues and then urinate standing in the dirties stinking places imaginable.
If you sample the quality of food sold on the grounds during internationals and the ridiculous prices charged you will be convinced that outside food is not allowed basically to allow this scandalous business to flourish.
The authorities in India do much less for the spectators than you get to know, They are all in it for the money it generates and the power. Read what is happening with the Sehwag led revolt in Delhi and you will have a small idea of what has been going on in our major centers, forget the smaller ones.
According to me the crowds at the Test matches are not the major problem. The real issue and need is to get people interested in the first class game as they were once. But why should anyone go and watch Ranji trophy matches?
- Laxman plays 1.5 games pr season for this entire decade in Ranji Trophy
- Sehwag has played 8 in the last eight years
- Dravid 7 in the decade
- Tendulkar has played four in the entire decade
- Harbhajan Singh has played ONE in the last seven seasons
On the other hand most regular players would have played between 55 to 65 games in that time.
Why would anyone want to see an unknown batsman take an unknown bowler to the cleaners? People have got out of the habit of watching first class cricket which they once did.
The problem lies in the quality of the game besides other things.
If the authorities are seriously worried about salvaging Test cricket they must salvage the first class game of which Test cricket is the upgraded version.
Quality of competition has to improve for which number of teams has to be dramatically slashed and the best players in the country have to be made to participate. There is no point talking of too much Test and ODI cricket as an excuse if those forms of the games themselves are under threat of extinction.
But quality is only one aspect.
Then the marketing of the first class game has to improve.
Why talk so much about Test cricket under lights and not make a start with the first class games. A version of the IPL model could have been used to pep up the first class game. A lot of time has been lost but it can still be done. The loyalty that is being sought to be built amongst viewers for the IPL City sides had existed in abundance for the major Ranji sides. Arguments amongst Delhi, Bombay and Karnataka supporters over their respective teams were known to break up friendships (at least temporarily) when I was younger. But marketing and packaging of the first class game is not what the authorities ever thought of.
Then very low priced tickets for students has been talked of for as long as I can remember (Sachin repeated it yesterday asking for free tickets) but nothing has been done. Get the young kids from Delhi and Bombay to come and watch international players like Sachin, Zaheer, Powar and Rohit Sharma face up to Sehwag, Gambhir, Chopra and Ishant Sharma and they will learn to associate with the Amol Majumdars, the Nayars, the Indulkars on the one side and the Kohlis, Bhatia and the Minhases on the other.
Whst the first class cricketers need desperately besides money of course, is to be recognised as national level sportsmen. It is disgraceful that exept for the two dozen or so that will reach the international level the other first class cricketers are doomed to anonymity.
IPL hasn't just given some of them money but much more importantly it has made their names and faces familiar, First class cricket needs to do that for its players.
The problem of cricket in the sixties in England started with the loss of interest in the first class game and yet the bureaucrats who ran the game did nothing to treat the problem. They just thought of how this would affect the game and all they could think of was money would dry up and they decided to find other ways to make money. You can not support a loss making product by adding other profit making products to your production line. The loss making product will keep getting into a bigger and bigger mess.
What they tried to do and for the first class game by bringing odi's did not work. The crowds did not come to the first class game. Now it is T-20 they think will help Test cricket and they are wrong again. This will be a bigger failure (in so far as helping the longer version is concerned) and the consequences will be seen in much less time than the four decades it took for the last mess.
Then there are things that need to be done to make the first class game (including Tests) better as a contest which means doing everything possible to restore the balance between bat and ball as mentioned in my recent feature.
The damage already done is huge and it has taken less than two years to do that. The time it will take to set things right will be longer but the time to start is NOW and hope its not too late.
Last edited:
Pigeon
Banned
I agree with most of your points SJS.
Except the part where you are bemoaning the absence of A listers from FC games. I don't think it is an India specific problem. Internationals are playing so much cricket that they hardly get time to play in the domestic structure. Well, that's the same with almost all nations. Perhaps you could also see the no. of FC matches played by Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, McGrath etc during their active Internationally years.
Except the part where you are bemoaning the absence of A listers from FC games. I don't think it is an India specific problem. Internationals are playing so much cricket that they hardly get time to play in the domestic structure. Well, that's the same with almost all nations. Perhaps you could also see the no. of FC matches played by Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne, McGrath etc during their active Internationally years.
silentstriker
The Wheel is Forever
I asked my dad about Ranji trophy game and he remembers sold out houses (thousands turned away at gates) whenever Baroda played Bombay. Right now, no one (at ALL) goes.
Pigeon
Banned
Too much cricket on TV
pup11
International Coach
First of all, I think this is a pretty silly debate that this thread tries to evoke, IPL is an event that basically has Indian viewers as its prime target-audience. and the international viewership is just an add-on bonus for the IPL administrators, so it really doesn't matter what IPL's viewership numbers are outside India, IPL would still be considered a successful venture till it keeps its Indian viewers interested.
The second thing that has widely been discussed is the diminishing number crowds at cricket games, I don't think that declining popularity of cricket or any of its formats should be seen as one of the main reasons for this.
IMO, the times have changed now, people have more busier lives and they really don't have the time to take out a whole day to watch an ODI or a day of test cricket, and more importantly they now have many different avenues and options to choose from, when it comes to entertainment, on top of that the rise in the number of meaningless games and series that are played just for monetary reasons are also not helping the case.
Though still crowds would turn up in big numbers to watch a good contest, regardless of the format of the game, and that is where ICC and member boards need to understand that quality is more important than quantity.
The second thing that has widely been discussed is the diminishing number crowds at cricket games, I don't think that declining popularity of cricket or any of its formats should be seen as one of the main reasons for this.
IMO, the times have changed now, people have more busier lives and they really don't have the time to take out a whole day to watch an ODI or a day of test cricket, and more importantly they now have many different avenues and options to choose from, when it comes to entertainment, on top of that the rise in the number of meaningless games and series that are played just for monetary reasons are also not helping the case.
Though still crowds would turn up in big numbers to watch a good contest, regardless of the format of the game, and that is where ICC and member boards need to understand that quality is more important than quantity.
Last edited:
Richard
Cricket Web Staff Member
Wow, really? Had always got the impression that no-one ever went to Ranji games, at any stage in history.
Pratters
Cricket, Lovely Cricket
Delhi v Mumbai games used to be huge. It was a big deal scoring a century or taking a five wicket haul in front of packed houses in these games. BCCI paid no attention to domestic cricket as it didn't bring them money - globalisation of cricket and money from ESPN-Star and other broadcasters in the Dalmiya era were a long way away. BCCI has treated cricket as an orphan in our country and domestic cricket is no exception Read Time To Boycott Indian Cricket I wrote a few years back for more on neglect by the BCCI. BCCI has only cared for avenues which generated or they thought could generate truck loads of money. The interest of the sport has always been a secondary matter.
Domestic game has potential even today if the stars come to play. I saw two blocks full in a domestic game in which Saurav Ganguly turned up for Bengal at Eden Gardens. BCCI has always fixed the international calendar irrespective of the domestic schedule. One understands that they can't be available for all games but they don't care to make the star players available for even the crucial games like the semis and finals, battles for relegation and promotion. Why will the public watch if Tendulkar players a handful games for Mumbai. On the other hand, why would the public not watch if Tendulkar turns up for Mumbai. There was near packed house for Mumbai v Australia in 1998 when Tendulkar scored a ton and bashed Warne in a precursor to what was going to happen again in the test series.
The dwindlling of seats in test matches in India is a very recent phenomenon. Till 5 years back, test cricket used to have capacity crowds but even Eden Gardens has hosted half empty stands for tests. Test cricket does not have inelastic demand and steps have to be taken to safeguard it.
EDIT - I would like to add that domestic cricket has received tremendous coverage from The Hindu group over the years. The Hindu group is one of the leading news paper houses in the country and report arduously on domestic games. For over 50 years, they have produced a book called Indian Cricket which is the Indian Cricket Annual on the lines of Wisden. Sadly, they stopped publishing it a few years back. Still through the almanack, the newspaper and their weekly sports magazine Sportstar, they have served domestic cricket well while others have neglected it.
Last edited:
Pratters
Cricket, Lovely Cricket
Tendulkar suggests free Test tickets for kids to save game
Sachin Tendulkar has suggested a plan to revive interest in Test cricket, which has been dwindling especially in India where matches against Australia in Mohali and Nagpur failed attract packed crowds, by letting children into stadiums for free.
"I started playing cricket when I was five years old," Tendulkar said at a book launch in Mumbai on Tuesday. "But the first time I watched a Test in a stadium was when I was 10. India was playing the West Indies. It is clearly ingrained in my memory and that is one experience no kid will forget. The more we invite kids to the game, the more the sport grows."
He suggested that one stand at every Test ground be kept free on weekends for schoolchildren. "We could have the toppers - either in academics or in sport - from various schools coming in to witness Test cricket. If it turns even 10% of those kids into Test cricket fans, it will be great for the game."
With the permanent addition of the IPL to the calendar, and the compulsory Twenty20 fixture per tour, boards have been forced to cut down on Tests.
Sanjay Manjrekar, the former India batsman who was also present at the event, said it was difficult for spectators to maintain interest over five days. "I think people still love to see the exciting facets of Test cricket - four bouncers in an over or a gully and four slips - but it is difficult to retain their interest for seven hours in a day and five whole days," Manjrekar said. "The masses will eventually decide where the game goes."
Sachin Tendulkar has suggested a plan to revive interest in Test cricket, which has been dwindling especially in India where matches against Australia in Mohali and Nagpur failed attract packed crowds, by letting children into stadiums for free.
"I started playing cricket when I was five years old," Tendulkar said at a book launch in Mumbai on Tuesday. "But the first time I watched a Test in a stadium was when I was 10. India was playing the West Indies. It is clearly ingrained in my memory and that is one experience no kid will forget. The more we invite kids to the game, the more the sport grows."
He suggested that one stand at every Test ground be kept free on weekends for schoolchildren. "We could have the toppers - either in academics or in sport - from various schools coming in to witness Test cricket. If it turns even 10% of those kids into Test cricket fans, it will be great for the game."
With the permanent addition of the IPL to the calendar, and the compulsory Twenty20 fixture per tour, boards have been forced to cut down on Tests.
Sanjay Manjrekar, the former India batsman who was also present at the event, said it was difficult for spectators to maintain interest over five days. "I think people still love to see the exciting facets of Test cricket - four bouncers in an over or a gully and four slips - but it is difficult to retain their interest for seven hours in a day and five whole days," Manjrekar said. "The masses will eventually decide where the game goes."
Pratters
Cricket, Lovely Cricket
Modi for Test cricket under lights
Mumbai: Is Test cricket boring? The verdict might differ from person to person but a discussion on the matter was very lively when some top cricketing brains of the country converged here on Tuesday.
If only the International Cricket Council was listening to what the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sanjay Manjrekar, Lalit Modi, Harsha Bhogle and Rajdeep Sardesai had to say on the matter, it would have got a few clues as to how to save the oldest form of the game from the onslaught of the newest form - Twenty20.
Joining the panel discussion on Cricket in Changing Times on the occasion of Bhogle's book (Out of the Box - Watching the game we love) launch, Tendulkar said there was a need to instill passion among youngsters. "When I was 10, I had gone to see West Indies play India. I think the BCCI should do something to develop the passion in youngsters. They can tell schools to get their best students in academics or sports and watch the Test matches which will be an incentive for them and also instill some passion in them. I am sure every youngster is eager to wear an Indian cap," the Little Master said.
IPL chairman Lalit Modi, typically,came out with a formula that will attract more eyeballs. "Test cricket has to be marketed well. Today people have many options but little time. You can do that by making Test cricket a day-night affair. We also have to get a Test match schedule right in place."
Manjrekar felt Test and ODI formats have to be made action packed just as T20 cricket. "There is a sporting excellence needed in every form of the game. T20 provides you cricketing excellence. I think one-day cricket need to be tweaked a bit. Test cricket is different and exciting. A spectator expects it to be more action packed," observed Manjrekar.
Noted journalist Sardesai said cricketers want an IPL cap. "People don't want an Indian cap. They want to play in IPL."
Billiards legend Michael Fereira came up with the issue of other sports not getting their due. Modi said it was because other events have to be marketed well. "We need to get the results at the top and it should be taken to the consumers that's how they will get sponsors and TRPs. Media should also give good coverage to other sports too," Modi said.
Bhogle felt T20 has opened up new cricketing skills but Test cricket will continue to exist irrespective of T20's soaring popularity. His book was a compilation of his columns in a national daily.
Mumbai: Is Test cricket boring? The verdict might differ from person to person but a discussion on the matter was very lively when some top cricketing brains of the country converged here on Tuesday.
If only the International Cricket Council was listening to what the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sanjay Manjrekar, Lalit Modi, Harsha Bhogle and Rajdeep Sardesai had to say on the matter, it would have got a few clues as to how to save the oldest form of the game from the onslaught of the newest form - Twenty20.
Joining the panel discussion on Cricket in Changing Times on the occasion of Bhogle's book (Out of the Box - Watching the game we love) launch, Tendulkar said there was a need to instill passion among youngsters. "When I was 10, I had gone to see West Indies play India. I think the BCCI should do something to develop the passion in youngsters. They can tell schools to get their best students in academics or sports and watch the Test matches which will be an incentive for them and also instill some passion in them. I am sure every youngster is eager to wear an Indian cap," the Little Master said.
IPL chairman Lalit Modi, typically,came out with a formula that will attract more eyeballs. "Test cricket has to be marketed well. Today people have many options but little time. You can do that by making Test cricket a day-night affair. We also have to get a Test match schedule right in place."
Manjrekar felt Test and ODI formats have to be made action packed just as T20 cricket. "There is a sporting excellence needed in every form of the game. T20 provides you cricketing excellence. I think one-day cricket need to be tweaked a bit. Test cricket is different and exciting. A spectator expects it to be more action packed," observed Manjrekar.
Noted journalist Sardesai said cricketers want an IPL cap. "People don't want an Indian cap. They want to play in IPL."
Billiards legend Michael Fereira came up with the issue of other sports not getting their due. Modi said it was because other events have to be marketed well. "We need to get the results at the top and it should be taken to the consumers that's how they will get sponsors and TRPs. Media should also give good coverage to other sports too," Modi said.
Bhogle felt T20 has opened up new cricketing skills but Test cricket will continue to exist irrespective of T20's soaring popularity. His book was a compilation of his columns in a national daily.
Last edited:
SJS
Hall of Fame Member
No no ! Far from from it. They actually charged money for entering the grounds (I dont know of they still do but no one goes even for free) for the most inconsequential games and people came. For the important games like semi finals and finals and the grudge matches like between Delhi and Bombay you couldn't get into the ground if you were late.
I have been a member of the DDCA since 1968 and for many years, people would ask me to give them my complimentary tickets if I could not attend the games.
No one does any more.
