Random Cricket Thread (Domestic Cricket)

[sussexpob]

Reading last night about the details of the huge franchise sell off, the most enraging thing about this is the fact that I didn't realise the ECB were giving the franchises to the host counties after bank rolling their creation and inheriting all the risk of staging the competition initially. I fail to see how its at all fair, or at all legal, for the ECB to decide on their own whim who to give a franchise to, and then that county essentially be gifted an asset worth over 100 million quid. How is that fair/in the interests of the ECBs own competitions, and not a violation of competition law?

Not only do 10 teams in the county circuit now have to compete with teams that get international cricket matches, and compete against teams that get a franchise, they now have to compete with teams that just made (at the least) the equivalent of about 30 years the salary cap amount for a teams wage all in the blink of an eye. And then to make matters worse, the ECB are splitting their own profits from the sale 80% back to the counties who host the 100.

Its not hard to see what is happening. We will have the emergence of private interest in 8 super counties that have huge budgets, against 10 that will be crap. I expect players in all other counties that are good will end up being paid not to play in 25 man squads, or something. And eventually, the schedule will be dominated by the 100 as private investors want more matches.

How long before the Franchises become the teams for the 4 day game? I reckon by 2030

[Arthur Crabtree]

The same corporatisation which took over football threatens even county cricket. It will be a risk because domestic cricket may lose its traditional base, without definitely findin a new one.

[andy]

Will smeed has reversed his decision to play white ball only for Somerset and has signed a multi format contract ahead of the new season

[sussexpob]

Will smeed has reversed his decision to play white ball only for Somerset and has signed a multi format contract ahead of the new season

I guess being a T20 mercenary only pays if you actually score runs. Seems in recent times he's not played well and the contract offers dried up - think he now only plays in the SA T20, and even then just as a squad player.

Not sure what use he will be in the FC game, but I guess we shall see. He can certainly hit a ball hard.

[andy]

Sam Curran named Surrey's new T20 captain

[captaincolly]

Jonny Bairstow captaining Yorkshire in the Championship.

[Slipstream]

Anderson out for 4 weeks with a calf strain.

[Durhamfootman]

no wonder he thinks he can keep going for another 3 years. He clearly plans on spending most of it on the physio's couch and getting turned down for the IPL and the Silly

[Arthur Crabtree]

Better before the first match rather than during it so I can drop him from my CC2FL.

[Durhamfootman]

lots of excitement ahead of the new season

good luck everyone...... may the force be with all your teams (except when they are playing Durham)

[Arthur Crabtree]

Time yet for my yearly moan about the CC format?

At least the weather's good.

[Durhamfootman]

wait until they cut it to 6 matches and play it all in May and June

[Slipstream]

wait until they cut it to 6 matches and play it all in May and June

[Durhamfootman]

Jennings has fallen on his sword after Lancs woeful start to the season. Marcus Harris to take over as Capt

Jennings signed a 5 year contract last season, so I imagine he will continue to play

[captaincolly]

Jennings has fallen on his sword after Lancs woeful start to the season. Marcus Harris to take over as Capt

Jennings signed a 5 year contract last season, so I imagine he will continue to play

Dale Benkenstein must be under pressure. Not got a great track record as coach.