T20 cricket cancels out the entire foundation of what the sport of cricket was initially based on during its establishment. The makers of cricket wanted it to be a gentlemen’s game, with the Test format being the oldest version of the sport. Time, days, or results were not the issue in Test cricket, whereas T20 demands entertainment plus results in a span of a few hours.
Why did T20 cricket become famous?
The T20 format was introduced in the 21st century, and its rise happened soon after India won the first T20 World Cup in 2007. The MS Dhoni-led team lifted the first World Cup, and it gave rise to the Indian Premier League, the biggest T20 tournament in the world to date. With the introduction of leagues like the IPL, the focus of the cricketing fans drastically shifted to the T20 format.
Fans got the taste of a quicker, faster format with sure results within 4 hours. T20 handed more amusement than the two older formats. Test cricket was already in its dying stage, with “The Ashes” being one of the few events which were keeping the format alive amongst the fans. T20 was the antidote to the long, tedious hours of cricket, and it worked very well to rejuvenate the meaning of the game.
The IPL has had a large influence on the game of cricket. It has drawn some top international players to the league and has become known for its exciting and high-scoring format. The shorter format of the matches has also allowed more opportunities for teams to come out on top, making it more difficult for any one team to dominate the tournament.
The IPL has also had a major influence on cricket’s commercial and business side, with the league’s massive success allowing teams to earn huge amounts of money in sponsorships and broadcasting rights. This has increased top players’ wages and increased investment in cricket’s infrastructure and youth development programs. The IPL has also been credited with creating new jobs in the sport and helping bring more attention and recognition to the game worldwide.
While many fans, especially the younger generations, are glued to the T20 format, some have accused the shortest format of the game of killing the entire game. Is it true that T20 has killed Test cricket? Or it’s just an accusation without any base? Let’s have a look at it.
IPL: Has it seriously killed Test cricket?
Now, many fans are against the whole idea of T20 cricket as it is considered to be killing Test cricket slowly. However, the fans have already drifted away from the Test format and were only interested in the ODIs. But as soon as IPL came into the picture, it hijacked the market completely. Fans went berserk for the shortest format as the fours, and massive sixes were not a sight of novelty.
The financial rewards from playing in the IPL have also had an effect on Test cricket. Many of the top players are now opting to play in the IPL rather than participate in test cricket, which can affect the traditional form of the game. It is difficult to say whether the Indian Premier League (IPL) has had a direct and negative impact on test cricket. The IPL has certainly changed the landscape of cricket, but it is still too soon to evaluate its long-term effects on the world’s oldest form of the game.
Source: Cricbuzz
Many experts have suggested that the IPL could provide a boost to test cricket by bringing more fans and attention to the game. However, there are also concerns that the intense IPL schedule could put too much strain on players and potentially lead to injuries or further fatigue if they are not given enough rest and recovery time. Ultimately, it is hard to say what the long-term effects of the IPL on test cricket will be, but it is clear that the competition has had an overall impact on the game and its future.
The IPL’s influence on cricket is not limited to just Test cricket. The league has been credited with introducing the sport to new audiences, helping to drive up interest in cricket worldwide. It has also helped fund projects such as improved facilities, training programs, and academies for young players all around the world. Additionally, the IPL has brought in new rules and regulations, as well as innovations such as pitch technology and third-umpire decisions, which have all had an effect on the game of cricket as a whole.
IPL, PSL, and BBL all came into the existence as the T20 format started running for the entire year. And as it is rightly said, too many cooks spoil the dish. The T20 format is sounding less and less amusing after 15 years of its existence due to the numerous numbers of matches per year.
As opposed to all the accusations, the T20 format has done more good to Test cricket than harm. People have slowly started enjoying Test cricket again as they want a break from the one-sided batting-oriented games. While the fans also enjoy the fast-paced games in T20 cricket, they also want to see technicality and aggression in the purest format of the game. Virat Kohli’s era as India’s Test captain greatly helped the format. The aggression bought into the game influenced and also seemed attractive to the newer generations.
The same work is being done by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum as they are re-defining Test cricket as a whole via ‘Bazball’. The T20 World Cup winners have set new heights in the Test format, which is as interesting as it can get. Credit for England’s new mentality toward Test cricket should also be given to the T20 format. The T20 format has taken sports to undiscovered places. The T20 format, especially IPL, has even handed many modern-day Test aces like Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, and Shardul Thakur. So, in our opinion T20 format has benefited the growth of Test cricket.
VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA – MAY 10: Trent Boult of the Delhi Capitals celebrates taking the wicket of Faf Du Plessis of the Chennai Super Kings during the Indian Premier League IPL Qualifier Final match between the Delhi Capitals and the Chennai Super Kings at ACA-VDCA Stadium on May 10, 2019 in Visakhapatnam, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
The success of the IPL has also had other positive effects, such as encouraging more international players to participate in the competition, bringing together different cultures, and creating opportunities for talented players worldwide. Additionally, the IPL has helped to re-engage traditional cricket fans and bring in new ones, driving up viewership and helping the sport reach new heights. Ultimately, the IPL has had a major impact on test cricket and cricket as a whole, and its influence is likely to continue for years to come.
Test cricket has always been the best format of the game, and it will continue to be the same for generations to come. The T20 structure is like a breath of fresh air and has handed the fans more reasons to love the sport. Having said that, top cricketers of top countries still prefer Test cricket over lucrative leagues like IPL and PSL. Cricketers are ready to let go of their million-dollar deals to represent their country in the red-ball format.
Here are some of the famous quotes about the IPL:
- “The IPL has changed the face of cricket in India and it’s been a wonderful journey for many of us.” – Mahendra Singh Dhoni
- “The IPL has caught the imagination of the masses and I think it is here to stay.” – Sachin Tendulkar
- “IPL is an incredible platform which has opened up avenues for a lot of youngsters who have got a chance to show their talent.” – Virat Kohli
- “IPL has been a great platform to measure a cricketer’s skills and talent.” – Yuvraj Singh
- “The IPL has become a global phenomenon and I’m proud to be part of it.” – Brian Lara
- “It has always been amazing to play in the IPL. The quality of the cricket and the audiences have only made it better.” – Shane Warne
There are pros and cons. While it has led to shorter attention spans, IPL has led players to play a very exciting form of cricket that no longer leads to boring dead rubbers. Do you think IPL has killed Test cricket?
