From ‘3-Piece Suit’ to ‘Pajama’ to ‘Chaddi’

"I dont want Sales Managers. I want Business Managers".
Myself being in sales, this is one of the quotes that appeals me very much. I think the statement conveys what it intends to.

Salesman sells what sells. And salesmen are right in doing so.

Businessmen sell taking broader perspective of the health of business. And hence they are supposed to be taking a more long term, balanced & matured view of the opportunities that come their way.

And that’s why ICC’s recent decision to bring 20Twenty into mainstream surprised me immensely. For ICC is not a ‘David Dhawan Production’ that would bring out run-of-the-mill sellable commodities. We are talking about serious business here that’s going to have long-term repercussions.

I myself am a fan of entertaining forms of cricket like double-wicket, six-a-side, etc. But yes, there role ends at entertainment. That can’t be the mainstream cricket. Okay, what’s ICC is possibly trying to achieve through this new format.
1. Increase popularity in existing cricket playing nations
2. Spread cricket to other countries
3. Appease Mr. Money Bags

As far as existing cricket playing countries are concerned, I don’t think ICC needs to do anything special to push the game. Non-cricket playing nations – Yes. It’s a great format to popularize cricket in the non-playing nations. And I think ICC has been arranging events at places like Hong Kong, Canada, Europe, Gulf to popularize the game. Thanks to Mr. Dalmia, in the past Indian & Pakistani boards have readily obliged to play anywhere in the world.

What remains to be seen is the role of sponsors of the game. No doubt, they have deep pockets. And they are ready to put in any amount of money in a short, thrilling, speedy and quick-result game that has more entertainment value and hence greater ability to pull crowd. No wonder sponsors poured a lot of money when pajama cricket was introduced. ICC can earn even more bucks in this ‘chaddi cricket’ format. The big question is “should that be the only yardstick?”

No doubt, this format of cricket is very well suited for the likes of Dhonis & Afridis. But what happens to the overall health of game? What happens to the psyche of the bowlers who are butchered all over the ground? What happens to the class & elegance of the batsmanship? If I like only airy shots then I would instead start watching baseball.

I think BCCI, for once, was right in resisting to this format. We, in any case, talk about burnouts, injuries, niggles after playing close to 12 tests and 40 ODIs a year. Add to those bilateral, triangular & world cup tournaments of this format. What are we heading to?

Chaddi cricket is like fast-food. Great entertainment & popularity value but does more harm in the long run than good.