'IPL Is A Threat To World Cricket': ECB's Stern Warning

image-lhkav2pzJofra Archer and Rohit Sharma [AP Photos]

In lieu of recent developments, the ECB (English Cricket Board) has issued a statement raising its concerns over the rising dominance of franchise cricket most notably the IPL (Indian Premier League). The board further stated that the ever growing influence of cash rich T20 leagues can have far reaching consequences which can potentially put Test Cricket in jeopardy. With a growing shift of focus to the shorter format of the game, the popularity of Test Cricket is likely to plummet by a significant margin. 

Bearing the current trend in mind,  ECB has pointed out that the dwindling popularity of Test Cricket amidst growing emergence of franchise league cricket can seriously undermine their business model. They have been jolted by a number of pressing concerns that have surfaced off late in the space of few months.

Nearly two weeks back, a news broke out which revealed IPL teams reportedly approaching several English cricketers for 12-month contracts. While it is not clear which IPL franchises have approached the English players, it is understood that owners of several teams are eager to secure the services of top players for their T20 leagues. 

And if this becomes the norm, a dangerous trend is likely to follow where we could see players giving up their international duties and be primarily contracted to their respective franchises. 

Venky Mysore, the chief executive of the Kolkata Knight Riders, hinted that such a model is in the works and remains hopeful to see this work out someday.

“If we were able to have ‘X’ number of contracted players, and were able to use them all in different leagues, I think that would be nirvana. Hopefully, someday it will happen."

Furthermore, English pace bowling sensation, Jofra Archer was approached by MI for a year round bumper deal valuing a whopping £971,000. If that were to go to plan, ECB may have to obtain permission from MI to use him for international duties. Several other English players featuring the likes of Alex Hales are also in line to receive year round contracts which could see them miss out on their international duties. 

In an attempt to counter the growing threat from franchise cricket, ECB is mulling over to introduce multi-year deals to English players in a bid to lure them off  from the cash rich leagues.