Today after a very long time I thoroughly enjoyed a One Day International match. It isn’t that I am loosing interest in Cricket, but there better be good Cricket happening to keep me hooked. While the influencers of the game i.e. the big people are wondering what to do to keep the one-day format alive and kicking, I asked myself – what do I, or any other fan would need to keep us interested in the game? Do we need 40 over matches or do we need two innings of 25 overs each? Do we need cheer leaders or do we really need one dayers?

While watching today’s match I tried to observe the experience the on ground action gave me so that I could consciously know what I was enjoying and what was boring. Luckily, there was lots of action to give me sufficient data. Our team batted first, the match opened with a strong and stable partnership. The opposing bowling was intense and fielding was inspired. Both the bowlers and batsmen were continuously at it – the bowler always applying himself to contain and fox the batsman while the batsman was respecting each ball for its worth. At least four bowls per over held some suspense – Who will win the race, the fielder or the bowl? Will their attempt to squeeze in an extra run cost them? – What kind of a tricky bowl was that! What a masterful stroke! – I realized that I didn’t really need six boundaries in an over to keep me thrilled. One or two big shots are better than some fluke shots. Some good stands, a few brilliant knocks, some challenging wickets, and the score went beyond 300. After all, it’s the gentlemanly charm and not boyish antics that get us interested in the game.

I could have lost interest in the next innings if the opposition was to bow down under the pressure of chasing such a massive total. Thankfully they didn’t. Thier run rate was always ahead of the asking rate. Neither were they crumbling under anxiety, nor hiding behind defenses. The balance kept fluctuating throughout the game. The body language of the players was inspiring. It was visible that all of them were being pushed and they were living up to it. The icing on the cake was to see a gentleman chat with the opposition during drink breaks. That makes for the sports spirit package that keeps me hooked to the game of cricket.

It is the sheer challenge and spirit that draws us to sports. No rocket science there and no out of the box ideas needed. Just stick to the basics. Now isn’t that something that a cricket coach would have said too?
(A voice somewhere from the back benches: Bah! Who listens to coaches! If they know it all then why don’t they play themselves.)
Eh! Pay attention!

The thrust should be upon increasing the quality of the cricket. Increase the challenge and train cricketers accordingly. Build better pitches, formulate rigorous and focused training programmes, and provide advanced facilities not just to the professionals but also for those who aspire to represent their country.

The focus has to be on the quality of the sport, not just in one nation but across all cricket playing nations. I believe concentrated efforts on enhancing the quality of the sport will give it longevity. Any format would survive if you can make a match of it.