This topic has been a hot one for a lot of bloggers. In the past seven days we’ve seen two fantastic test matches take place. This is in a time where the IPL is apparently going to rule the cricketing world. The first test was the West Indies vs. Australia. The Windies a recovering side took the Aussies right to the wire. Although Australia won the game itself was fantastic. The other test match is the England vs. New Zealand one. A Kiwi collapse left the door open for England who walked right in and won the match. Two purist test matches.
The IPL might have big hitting and cheer leaders. But test cricket is still the centre of world cricket. I’m a fan of the IPL and Twenty20 Cricket itself, it attracts new people into the game and gives it a larger profile. But these IPL fans will eventually turn into Test Match fans. It’s the cycle of cricket. There is no way that Test Cricket will wear out. It’s the pinnacle of cricket, the form of the game that everyone aspires to.
The perfect test is to see who would give up their international contract for six weeks of mayhem in the IPL? I can’t see many of them doing this. Obviously the money is the big attraction. $400, 000 to play for 6 weeks will attract anybody and everybody. But the biggest attraction should be playing and representing your country.
What do you think? Leave your comments…
Past Point Cricket Blog 
Thanks issac for the visit on my blog…
have already blog rolled you…with the hope that you will keep visiting mine as i will…
True, Test Cricket is the real game. T20 is a dilution, albeit an entertaining one. I’m not sure if all the IPL fans will turn into Test cricket fans, but it will probably make existing Test cricket fans more ardent.
Btw, have added you to my blogroll.
It’s worth noting that the players that have done well in the IPL are the one’s playing proper cricket shots (more common place in Tests) – Gauty, Marsh, Rohit.
@ vmminerva – yeah I agree about the IPL fans maybe not being Test fans. There’s been talk of taking T20 internationals to China & the US to try and build interest for the game in those countries – but the your point would be valid in that situation, I’d love to see the looks on the faces of the Yanks after watching a couple of T20s, then being exposed to a Test Match!
And while we’re on a roll … added you to my blogroll mate š
I think unless you have made a name for yourself by playing for your country, the IPL radar would overlook you. Get it right, IPL ropes only the performers. This is not the place to blood untested greenhorns. To cut it short, for most, the lucrative road to IPL goes via national team and not the other way round. Of course, you would have a couple of exceptions but that’s the essential gist.
Hi,
I’ve returned all the blogroll, thanks.
I do agree in Twenty20 attracting new fans, those new fans will surely then get used to cricket a little more and probably go on to watch a 50over match and the real fans who have grown to love the game might go and watch a test match.
@ Som – Shaun Marsh … he’s now a star, and has yet to represent his nation. The IPL will continue to unearth stars – but so long as it looses some players for international duty.
If the IPL is about uncovering stars why does the sides then employ around 5 world class players? If the idea was development then they’d have 2 or 3 experienced players who guide the remaining 8 or 9 younger players.
It seems to be all about the money, Isaac. Going by the BCCI’s record, I won’t be too surprized if nothing significant happens to the young IPL finds.
I agree, the countries selectors have already said they wont take IPL form into account when selecting the national side.