With India and Australia set to face in the World Cup final in Ahmedabad on Sunday and then lock horns in a five-match T20I series just 4 days after the mega tournament, former England skipper Michael Vaughan on Friday slammed the scheduling of the T20I series. Read more on TOI
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Cricket 2023: Complete Greed Cricket, often hailed as the gentleman's game, has always been a sport that brings nations together, ignites passion, and showcases the skills and talents of the players. However, as we look ahead to the year 2023, it seems that the game has been tainted by a sense of complete greed. The International Cricket Council (ICC), the governing body of the sport, has always been responsible for maintaining the integrity and fairness of cricket. However, in recent years, it appears that their priorities have shifted from the love of the game to financial gains. One of the most glaring examples of this greed is the proliferation of franchise-based T20 leagues around the world. While these leagues have undoubtedly brought in huge sums of money and attracted some of the biggest names in cricket, they have also led to a decline in the importance and significance of international cricket. Players are now prioritizing these lucrative leagues over representing their countries. The allure of big paychecks and shorter formats of the game has overshadowed the traditional values of representing one's nation and playing for the pride of the country. Furthermore, the ICC's decision to expand the T20 World Cup to include 20 teams in 2023 has raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts. While the intention behind this move may be to promote the growth of the sport, it seems to be driven more by a desire to tap into new markets and generate revenue. Expanding the tournament to such an extent dilutes the quality of cricket on display and diminishes the prestige associated with participating in a World Cup. It becomes less about the best teams competing against each other and more about accommodating as many nations as possible to maximize profits. Another aspect of this greed is the increasing commercialization of the game. Cricket has become a platform for sponsors and advertisers to showcase their products and services. Every inch of the cricketing arena is now adorned with logos and advertisements, making it hard to distinguish between a sporting event and a marketing extravaganza. The players themselves have also become victims of this greed. The pressure to perform, both on and off the field, has become immense. Endorsement deals, brand partnerships, and social media presence have become crucial aspects of a cricketer's career. The focus has shifted from the love of the game to personal gains and financial success. Cricket, once a sport that united nations and brought communities together, is now being driven by greed and financial motives. The soul of the game is slowly being eroded, and the true essence of cricket is being lost amidst the pursuit of money. It is high time for the ICC and cricketing authorities around the world to reevaluate their priorities and bring the focus back to the game itself. The love for cricket should be at the forefront, and financial gains should be secondary. Cricket 2023 should be a year of reflection and reform, where the game is restored to its former glory. The players should remember the pride of representing their countries, and the fans should be able to witness the true spirit of cricket. Let us hope that the greed that has engulfed the game can be replaced by a renewed love and respect for cricket. Only then can we truly celebrate the sport and its ability to bring people together, irrespective of boundaries and differences.