The cricket calendar is wearing ever more thin on fans, as executives become increasingly out of touch. The good, old Aussie summer is just about dead, writes Mat Barnes.
Please Cricket Australia, I don’t want anymore – I’m full, gorged, stuffed! Before the first Test of the summer is even upon us, I’ve had a gutful of international cricket.
There was a time when the Aussie cricketing summer was a perfectly tabled feast.
A selection of teasing tour matches for entree, captivating Tests for main, and dashing One-Dayers for dessert. Every serving was unique in its own right and as sumptuous as the next.
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The anticipation for each game had fans counting down clocks and rushing home from school or work. Families and friends would gather around the television throughout the holiday season; lapping up every ball.
Now, it resembles a highway strip of fast food chains, a mish-mash of bright lights and big brands delivering a product of little substance.
Can even the most ardent Aussie cricket fan say they were excited or even aware of every game this side of winter?
Our home international schedule used to begin in November. Yet in 2022, six limited-over series or tournaments have already been hosted on Aussie soil – plus another played in India for good measure.
Embed from Getty ImagesHow many of us can truly say we were pumped for the Twenty20 World Cup? One every two years is complete overkill. As were the three Twenty20 warmup series Australia played in the four weeks preceding.
Is it any wonder our men lacked vigour in the tournament proper?
Let’s not forget the two One Day International series crammed into Townsville and Cairns a fortnight before that. Who gave them the green light at the height of finals footy season?
I can forgive taking international cricket to regional centres against nations like Zimbabwe. But it’s a sad indictment of Cricket Australia’s priorities to willingly cheapen the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy by scheduling a midweek clash against the second-ranked Black Caps in front of small crowds.
Surely then Australia was deserving of rest following this barrage of white-ball cricket? And England the opportunity to properly celebrate their World Cup victory? Nope!
Another meaningless One Day series was squashed into the schedule so Cricket Australia can make a cheap buck with their buddies at the ECB.
This chaotic scheduling will result in more players becoming unavailable due to injury, resting or selective retirement. The over-saturation of a diluted product will slowly wear down the interest of cricket fans; many will cease to tune in or turn up.
An increase in fixtures from yesteryear is absolutely understandable. The pressure of broadcast deals and the need to generate new revenue streams demand it in this modern world – but not to the detriment of the product and fan engagement.
The first crack appeared with Australia’s poor attendance figures during the World Cup. In what should have been sellouts, only once did they attract a crowd of over 50% stadium capacity.
There was further indication given at the Adelaide Oval last night for the first ODI against England.
The vast oceans of empty seats were glaringly obvious. An underwhelming turnout of 15,428 for a clash against the best side in the world; proof that fans are weary or don’t have the means to attend more cricket.
Hopefully, a switch to the red ball and cricket in its purest form can reinvigorate and salvage the summer. But don’t hold your breath, the damage might already be done.
So please Cricket Australia, don’t ruin this for us, too much of a good thing is not a good thing. We’re happy to famine before we feast.
