Numerous T20 cricket league tournaments are currently being conducted across the globe, captivating the interest of cricket enthusiasts.
The widespread popularity of these tournaments can be attributed to the fast-paced nature of T20 matches, completed within a relatively short duration of three hours.
Furthermore, the intense competitive spirit of these matches demands that batters focus on achieving quick scoring right from the onset of the innings, adding an element of excitement and urgency to the game.
Cricket is changing fast
Since the advent of T20 cricket, the global cricket landscape has undergone a seismic shift. What was once a sport dominated by a handful of nations has now spread its wings across the globe. This expansion has not only diversified the playing nations but has also disrupted the traditional stability of cricket.
The T20 format has revolutionised the game’s dynamics. Unlike the traditional cricket matches, where the outcome was often predictable, the T20 format has levelled the playing field. Regardless of their ranking, any team has a realistic chance of clinching a win, injecting an element of unpredictability and thrill into the game.
A recent illustration of this unpredictability unfolded in a match between Bangladesh and the United States on American soil.
Surprisingly, the United States emerged victorious, defeating the formidable Bangladesh . This outcome serves as a testament to the competitive nature of T20 cricket and the potential for unexpected results, adding an element of intrigue to the sport.
The lucky ones in international cricket
India has become a leading force in T20 cricket leagues, pivotal in popularising the format globally. The Indian Premier League (IPL), regarded as the preeminent T20 league in the world, is conducted annually over two months.
The 2024 tournament started on March 22 and will run until the end of May. The tournament is in its final stages, drawing significant attention and anticipation from cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
The IPL has significantly contributed to the surge in cricket’s popularity across India, attracting the participation of top-tier cricketers. Consequently, Indian cricketers have reaped substantial benefits from their involvement in the league, further solidifying their prowess and standing in the sport.
The unlucky ones on the international cricket field
The situation for players in Test cricket-playing countries during the two-month IPL tournament is unfortunate. While Test matches were previously held around the world during this period, players who only participate in Test and ODI matches are now left without games to play.
This issue affects Test players from all countries except India. Pakistani players are particularly affected by their inability to participate in the IPL because of diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan. This has led to significant financial losses and a lack of playing opportunities for these players.
This issue extends beyond the IPL and affects players from all countries that play Test cricket. The potential negative impact on the future of Test cricket is a significant concern. Many countries play fewer than ten test matches annually, leaving Test players with limited opportunities to play cricket.
The ICC must address this situation to ensure the fair treatment of players and the preservation of Test cricket.
The betting mafia that is ruining cricket
“With the start of T20 league tournaments, it is evident that the integrity of cricket is declining. These leagues are organised according to the preferences of the host country, such as the Indian IPL being conducted as per India’s wishes. The ICC does not have the authority to oversee these tournaments.
As a result, there are suspicions of unethical activities occurring in these T20 league tournaments. Numerous rumours about match-fixing and betting exist.
Furthermore, social media discussions indicate that people doubt the unusual occurrences in these tournaments.”
Although cricket teams, these are companies
Most sports teams in leagues such as the IPL are owned by wealthy individuals. This means that the team’s owners significantly influence the team’s decisions, from player selection to match conduct.
As businesses, these teams aim to make a profit, and sometimes, this can lead to questionable actions, like intentionally losing for financial gain.
These activities are often kept secret. Suspicious activities, not only in the IPL but also in other T20 league tournaments worldwide, are a cause for concern.
Concerns about the player auction process, player selection, and specific actions during matches appear to be unnatural.
The nearest event
The T20 league conducted in Sri Lanka is called the LPL. Five teams are currently vying for victory in this prestigious event. Despite being held during turbulent times in the past, the tournament is under the complete coordination of Sri Lanka Cricket.
The Sri Lanka Cricket Institute has been under scrutiny and faced significant criticism, leading to clashes with the Sports Minister. These conflicts even resulted in the ICC imposing a ban on cricket in Sri Lanka during the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Due to these ongoing conflicts, the LPL has been the focal point of intense discussion. The recent player auction for the 2024 LPL occurred amidst these controversies and witnessed some highly unusual incidents.
How is it possible
In the initial round of the auction, Pathum Nissanka, renowned as the best opening batter in Sri Lanka’s national T20 team, surprisingly did not receive any bids from the five teams. However, later on, Jaffna availed the opportunity to acquire him at the base price of $40000.
This turn of events raises questions about why Nissanka was initially overlooked by all the teams. It seems as if there was a prearranged decision among the teams. Should we interpret this occurrence as a mere coincidence, or is there more to it?
Dambulla team owner arrested
After the LPL player auction, an unusual incident occurred: Bangladeshi Tamim Rahman, the owner of the Dabulla Thunders , was arrested at the Colombo airport.
He is accused of match-fixing, which resulted in the team’s suspension. The team’s players are now in a difficult situation. Only four teams have been confirmed to participate in the LPL tournament.
These events raise concerns about organising lower-level tournaments, as they may encourage illegal activities. Questions also arise about the funding source for such tournaments, with the potential involvement of illicit funds and a lack of transparency in transactions.
ICC’s attention is not enough
T20 leagues are held as domestic tournaments, but foreign players also participate in these tournaments. Therefore, these tournaments can be considered a hybrid.
The IPL is a tournament in which foreign players participate in a big way. This is also where players are auctioned for the highest prices.
The LPL is the league with the least number of foreign players. None of the powerful players in the world participate in this.
All these tournaments are prone to corruption. The ICC is responsible for paying close attention to unusual activities that take place during these tournaments.
The ICC code of conduct should be mandatory for these league matches as well as for international matches. Otherwise, world cricket can become a kingdom of thieves.
