The game of cricket is experiencing a rapid global expansion, primarily driven by the increasing popularity of T20 cricket.
The fast-paced and exhilarating nature of T20 matches has sparked a worldwide craze, attracting the attention and participation of numerous countries. This trend, previously synonymous with football, is now poised to redefine the future of cricket.
The future where the world plays cricket
Currently, only 12 nations hold ICC full membership, granting them the privilege to compete in test cricket, the pinnacle of the sport.
Acquiring Test status is an arduous endeavour, and as a result, only a select dozen nations boast this prestigious recognition despite the sport’s extensive historical roots.
However, the cricket landscape evolved with the advent of the ODI format, attracting numerous other countries to the game.
Nevertheless, securing full ICC membership remains a formidable challenge. Despite these obstacles, concerted efforts to promote cricket globally have led to innovative developments within the sport.
T20 changed the world of cricket
The T20 format of cricket, which originated in the early 2000s, has gained widespread popularity across the globe.
This condensed and dynamic format has been particularly well-received in Asian countries, such as India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, where it has become a staple among tape ball and tennis ball cricket players.
The T20 format’s accessibility has allowed any country to participate and succeed, democratising the game and providing opportunities for teams outside the ICC’s full membership.
Consequently, this trend is expected to herald the emergence of new cricketing nations on the international stage.
T20 World Cup to a new dimension
The 2024 ICC T20 World Cup will showcase an exciting trend. Twenty teams participated in this year’s tournament, and nine association member countries were joined by 11 ICC full-member countries.
This year’s competition was intense, as evidenced by Zimbabwe’s inability to participate as a full ICC member.
Furthermore, during the tournament, it was observed that the full member countries of the ICC did not have an easy path to victory.
Even strong cricket teams like Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka faced defeats against the newcomers. This dynamic will likely continue to challenge the established order in future tournaments.
A format similar to the Football World Cup
In the future, there is a possibility that the T20 cricket will also be held in the format of the football format. The World Cup can be held only between the winning teams from the regional tournaments. If this situation occurs, the ICC full member countries may have to face a big challenge if they can win a World Cup so far.
No matter how widespread the T20 cricket game is in the world, the time has come to solve a big problem that arises here. The ICC should make plans to resolve this situation as soon as possible.
Native Cricket vs Imported Cricket
International cricket-playing countries can be divided into two groups. One group consists of teams consisting of native players of those countries, and the other group consists of teams consisting of imported cricketers.
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan lead the teams with native players. All the players in these teams are of local origin and born in those countries.
In addition, England, Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, and South Africa belong to this section, but foreign players are also seen playing in these countries. They are naturalized players and cannot be considered native players.
Some teams depend on foreign players, with America leading here. Most of the players who play for the US national team are people born in India or Pakistan.
They play for the American team after obtaining the citizenship of that country. Apart from America, Canada and Namibia also belong to this category. However, America is completely dependent on foreign players.
Looking at this year’s T20 World Cup, this situation can significantly impact future cricket. It is also an injustice to the countries that have native cricketers.
If any team in the world needs it, importing players is the easiest thing to do to make their teams strong. All that needs to be done is to grant citizenship to those players.
If this situation arises, international cricket can become league cricket like IPL.
America plays with foreign players
America has already made a strong showing in this year’s World Cup. They were able to pose a significant challenge to solid teams.
The irony is that the match between India and America seemed like a match between India and India’s second team. The ICC should take swift action in this regard.
The most straightforward solution is to rule that a country’s team must only consist of players born in that country.
Alternatively, players who migrated to the country before age ten could be given the opportunity. If not, the future of international cricket could be chaotic, and the integrity of the game could be compromised.
