Franchise cricket assuming significant importance for South Africa: Ian Bishop

Ian Bishop believes Cricket South Africa (CSA) is clearing their international schedule to prioritize franchise cricket, which reflects its main agenda. 

Earlier this month, CSA had pulled out of the three-match ODI series against Australia slated to be played in January next year. This move came on the back of the inaugural edition of the CSA T20 league commencing in the same month. 

The board wants its top players to feature in the domestic league, so that the tournament can be a grand success. However, the Proteas have sacrificed crucial Super League points, which can keep them out of the 2023 ODI World Cup. 

The 54-year-old reckons that every T20 League needs the participation of its leading players for revenue generation. However, he added a specific period should be allocated for all these leagues in the near future. 

It is evident that IPL and BBL have a larger window of around two months, which certainly has an impact on the international matches. 

“IPL needs a window, CPL needs its opportunity, Big Bash needs opportunities for its best players to bring in that revenue stream. But I can see down the road where there is going to be a clear demarcation for that period of the franchise like football, in international cricket.

“South Africa clearing their schedule is clearly showing that the commitment to franchise cricket is assuming significant importance on a country’s agenda," said Bishop in an exclusive interview with IANS.

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Maybe choose teams on the basis of franchise cricket: Bishop

Bishop has suggested that the bilateral limited-overs matches can be minimized, and the special emphasis can be on the World Cup. 

The renowned commentator also added that the team’s best XI should be prepared based on the performances of the players in franchise leagues. 

“Maybe we could reduce some of that bilateral 50-over and 20-over tournaments, where I agree with Ravi. We could have to go that way and put the premium now on World Cups and maybe choose our teams from within those franchise events and put a smaller window to bond and prepare for World Cups."

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