15 Ideas that Revolutionalized the Game of Cricket

15 Ideas that Revolutionalized the Game of Cricket: Uni-dimensional parameters and stereotypes are the biggest hurdle to the independent prospering of any sport. Cricket, by every standard has been rather fortunate on this count. Over the years there has been no shortage of innovations which have eventually changed the game for the better. What seemed to be potential risks have turned out to be masterstrokes. For much too long a great degree of tradition and a sense of history were seen to be at loggerheads with such ideas but with changing times and a new class of cricket audience coming to the fore, they gained widespread public acceptance. Let us have a look at 15 such ideas which changed the way cricket was to be looked at. 15 Ideas that Revolutionalized the Game of Cricket. 1. The introduction of limited Overs Cricket: (© Getty Images) At a time when test cricket was the pinnacle of the game this was a thought that came as a bolt from the blue. Given the degree of tradition associated historically with cricket, this wasn’t to be received with open arms immediately. But with time it eventually became the reflection of a change in guard and attitudes. What followed were cricket world cups and the huge commerce they brought with them. Cricket was never going to be the same thereafter. 2. Kerry Packer and the World Series Cricket: In 1977 the Australian broadcasting heavyweight introduced the concept of players from different countries coming together to play in a commercial league. Though his proposals faced tough resistance in the cricketing circles it was later deemed to be as a successful experiment and one which gave a peep into the game’s future. 3. World Cup Cricket: (© Getty Images) After the introduction of the one day game in a bid to revive diminishing interests of the cricketing public, the world cup came to the scene. Received by the audience with open arms it was certain to make it big. What followed was tremendous competition for the coveted trophy and the winner being given the status of world beaters for 4 years until the next event came. 4. The Coloured Clothing: (Photo Source: AFP) This will have to be the first undisputed idea which brought the much needed commerce to the game. Experimented for the first time in 1987 at the international stage, it helped in bringing flair and passion to the game. It also ensured that test cricket remained pure and pristine (in the whites) while the ODIs could prosper on their own and help in expanding the game to other parts of the globe. 5. The Third Umpire: (© Getty Images) It was the first hands on introduction of technology into the functional aspect of the game. Lot of folks don’t know that Sachin Tendulkar was the first batsman to be adjudged out by the TV umpire. It also meant less pressure on the field umpires which in turn ensured better decision making. With the quality of visual equipments improving the TV umpire also had better technology at his disposal. 6. Playing on Neutral Venues: (Photo Source: BCCI) This was an idea well thought out and one which ensured smooth functioning of the game despite challenges. Pakistan has been able to play home games (in UAE) only because of this provision. It has also put forth the view that when you play without the home advantage to any of the teams, the actual caliber would come out. 7. The Red and White Balls: (Source) Not only has it highlighted the gap between test and one day cricket, it has also given new dimensions to the game. The fact that the red ball maintains its shape for much longer is the reason why it could be used for 80 overs and allows for the unconventional swing (reverse swing) as well. The white ball comes on to the bat and allows for free stroke-play, one of the demands of the modern game. 8. The Analytical Aspect of Cricket: (source) With so many cameras recording the game and intensive video analysis by experts behind the scenes, bowling machines etc. it has become a norm to have the strengths and weakness of each guy at your disposal and prepare accordingly. Thus nowadays there is as much virtual training of players as the actual workout on the field. 9. Size of the Coaching Staff: (Photo Source: BCCI) The age old saying that too many cooks spoil the dish is certainly not the flavor of modern cricket. While there are XI guys playing on the field, there is an equally populated bunch of experts analyzing their skills. Specialists for each job has become the order of the day. 10. The Introduction of T20 Cricket by the ECB: (Photo Source: Somerset Twitter Handle) This has to be the single biggest idea to have impacted the game the way it has. Believed by many to have been tried as an experiment, it eventually turned out to be an idea which would dictate cricketing perspectives in the coming years. T20 without a doubt has changed the way cricket is looked at. From the dead bat defense we have come to the ramp shot and switch hits. If anything, T20 has ensured a result oriented approach which has helped in lowering the number of drawn tests. 11. The IPL: Mumbai Indians. (Photo Source: BCCI) The Indian Premier League was to give the game a whole new dimension and colour. Introduced in 2008 by the BCCI it had all what a cricket fan could ask for. Wisemen were quick to understand that the IPL wasn’t just about cricket, but also the entertainment and finance associated with it. It made the BCCI the undisputed financial centre of the cricketing world. 12. Day Night ODIs: (Photo Source: AFP) Once the infrastructure improved and stadiums could have floodlights, day night ODIs weren’t far away. They also brought factors like the toss into the game big time. Dew would dictate the fortunes of the sides, seemers would swing the ball in the evening and spinners got assistance during the day. Overall it was a tremendous idea which was to change limited overs cricket forever. 13. Field Restrictions: Cricket Stadium. (Photo Source: Google) The introduction of fielding restriction in the limited overs format forced teams to adopt a more aggressive approach to the game. On one hand it meant a rapid rate of run scoring in the initial overs, it also ensured the bowlers had an equal chance of getting the batsman dismissed. This rule has gone through many alterations and modifications subject to the recommendations of the Cricket Committee of the ICC. 14. The Batting Powerplay: (© Getty Images) Teams struggled to decode the mantra of how to approach the batting powerplay after its introduction. This trend continued for 3 to 4 years and most of the times they handed the initiative to the bowling side in the powerplay, which was originally meant to aid the batsmen. Not many teams show the will to take it before it is automatically imposed. 15. 2 bouncers in ODIs: ( ©Getty Images) This has helped to bring into the game the endangered breed called fast bowlers. It has also helped combat the overly favorable and batsmen friendly parameters like the big bats, shorter boundaries and flatter pitches. Ask the pacers and they would say it is nothing short a god sent gift and one which helps them execute their skills to perfection.

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