Lefties & T20

Selva has an interesting observation about whether left-handed batsmen have an advantage in Twenty20 cricket. One possible explanation, if this hypothesis were found true, is that most bowlers are naturally suited to bowl to right handers. In longer versions of the game, bowlers have more time to settle down into a rhythm as well as size up the pitch with respect to line and length; so the advantage that left handers have can be negated. T20 offers no such cushion; plus batsmen are looking to attack from the first delivery. Maybe, this is why lefties do better.

The English Premier League

A few weeks ago, someone from India posted a comment on the Teamtalk forums, and referred to the English Premier League as EPL. A Briton took exception to this and sought to correct the Indian thus, “Don’t refer to it as the EPL! It is simply the Premier League, and that’s how we would like it to be.”When I read it, I did not find it patronizing. But back then, there was no Indian Premier League. Now we do have something to boast about. If the IPL does sustains itself and become a huge popular and monetary success, maybe we could fight back such condescending, and if I may add, imperialist attitudes.

United v/s Barcelona

Later today, Manchester United take on Barcelona in a must-win Champions League semi-final second leg. News is that Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic could miss out. Games like this are a test of character – the line that divides the great from the legendary. Cristiano Ronaldo is already spoken of as an Old Trafford legend, but tonight he should step up to the plate. Another year, and we might not know if form and circumstances would be similar or kinder. This is the night. Arise, thou champion! C’mon, ye Reds!

No related posts.

Incidentally, I thought the Mumbai Indians would do better than lose four in a row.

No related posts.

It would be interesting to see how the IPL impacts the future of cricket. One possible scenario is that cricket might be played more along club lines, like football. But I think it is currently more possible than probable. Regional cricket (like county cricket in England and state tournaments in India and Australia) face a greater threat due to IPL’s emergence. If the organizers were to expand the IPL from its current, compressed two-month schedule, regional cricket is sure to take a huge hit.

Interestingly though, Michael Vaughn’s recent comments made some sense in this regard. When asked if the IPL could threaten county cricket in England, Vaughn pointed out that each country could have its own league, and then the top clubs from each country could face off against each other in a super league, much like the UEFA Champions League in football.

I have some doubts if this would indeed turn out to be the case. India’s financial clout in cricket could make it extremely difficult for similar leagues in other countries to thrive.

Anyway, Twenty20 cricket and the Indian Premier League have definitely made the “business” of cricket more dynamic, and a space to watch out for. It is, as many have already said, the best way to take the game to a more global audience.

No related posts.