Spicing up Pakistan's domestic cricket

[Maranello]

Very interesting article on cricinfo about changes (yet again!) to Pakistan's domestic cricket set-up, this time to re-introduce sponsors for the system:

Ultimately, given that sponsorship has been as forthcoming as restrained knocks from Shahid Afridi, both parties should be applauded for negotiating a three-year deal. Furthermore, if it is a given that the PCB will act in the best interests of the game (not as easy an assumption as you may think), then added to the energy, drive and passion that Salman Butt the banker reportedly possesses for the game, it should in theory prove a fruitful association. Three years is a lifetime in Pakistan cricket and to infer too much now is to tempt fate. One thing, though, is certain: sports headlines (sample: 'Lions devour Zebras') have surely never been this colourful.

I am all for moving the focus to regional teams and away from the departmental sides. The key question though remains: will this actually have any change in the levels of interest for domestic first-class cricket, in a country where even Test matches have poor attendances?

I believe there are two rays of hope for Pakistan domestic cricket:

{i} regional one-day cricket: many years ago, the Wills Cup, Pakistan's premier one-day tournament was very well-attended and followed with interest. Players such as Zaheer, Imran Khan, Akram, Waqar, Miandad et al participated and even led their respective teams throughout the tournie. In fact, it is reported that Waqar Younis was first seen by Imran in a televised Wills Cup match in 1989-89. Hence a revampled regional ODI competition could draw in support and generate enthusiasm for the domestic teams.

{ii} TV coverage: even though Pakistanis do not go to stadia to watch Test matches, they do follow them very closely over the TV, and if a similar type of interest and following can be generated for the live TV coverage of the domestic first-class tournament, Pakistan cricket will benefit. This will take time, but the greater emphasis on regional teams and the live TV coverage should help. They definitely need to improve the quality of TV coverage though and try and bring it to par with Ten Sports international coverage.

For a complete description of Pakistan's domestic cricket system, please refer to my earlier post here.

[Shaka]

The key to local cricket being successful is going to be TV. There is always a market for cricket especially with satellite television. If they can get it on the box, sponsors will also pitch in. You have to give the PCB some credit in making some moves in this direction. The problem again though, is going to be will the loger game appeal to the Pakistani public?

[Zainub]

Certainly, the sponsirship deal coming through has increased interests in DC, a couple of private tv channels are now running ads to encourage people to go and watch and there are massive bill boards around my area doing exactly the same. As far as the actual idea of "spicing up" DC is concerned, the intent is a good one, a long awaited one as well, but give me a break, Karachi Dolphins & Karachi Zebras? I thought white and blue was vaugh enough...but Zebras and Dolphins...surely its not too big an ask to think of a name which actually has a connection with the region it represents...why in all the world would any Karachi resisdent (unless they're obssessed with cricket of any form like my self ) want to support a team called Zebras or Dolphins?

Also, I don't think people would be encouraged by only these efforts, we've gotto start getting our big name players playing DC for people to be really interested, right now, we're on tour, so that's not possible, but I do think whenever possible, National Cricket Pakistan, as it is now called, should make it a priority to get some crowd pulling names playing in atleast the bigger more important games like semis and finals. That would make things more exciting, and why in all the world are there no day and night games in this competetion, surely that too would help to attract more interest.

[Occasional Fan]

They're an odd choice of names, Zainub, that's true. But give a clue, please, to someone who has never been to your part of the world: if you had to pick two names from the animal kingdom in your neck of the woods, which would be appropriate?

[Maranello]

I'll let Zainub answer that OF, but why use animals anywa? Surely better names would be derived from areas? When I was young, I vaguely recall Karachi having five large districts: Karachi East, Karachi North, Karachi West, Karachi Central and Malir. Something along those lines for the two First-Class teams in the city would be more apt.

Similarly, surely these is something more appropriate for the wonderful residents of Lahore, than Lahore Lions and Lahore Eagles? This is the cultural heart of the sub-continent, a city with a vibrant history of 2,000 years and a heritage unrivalled by any till Delhi in the East and Tehran in the West, and all they can come up with is Lions and Eagles???

[Zainub]

Exactly. Why animals?

I'm all for teams have names other than just Karachi East, West north or South , I've always enjoyed calling United the Red Devils and reffering to Arsenal as the gunners but still u have to have a connection.

[Occasional Fan]

I've no idea why so many sports teams use animal names - seems to me to be an idea from the Americans. OK - seems you don't like the idea much either, so we'll let it rest. Needless to say I have no suggestions myself.

[Occasional Fan]

Early kick off today, Zainub: don't know if you're following it, but you'll be pleased to know that United lead by a goal to nil at half time, Rooney the scorer.

[Occasional Fan]

It was a comment based on blind prejudice, Zainub, I admit it! And at the time I was thinking of some American Football teams (Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, LA Rams, Chicago Bears and Cincinatti Bengals came immediately to my mind, with no candidates immediately occurring which did not have animal names or references).

You've bowled me fair and square with that one.

[Maranello]

Not sure if I quite follow the discussion here OF. Heaven forbid, you are not talking to yourself, are you?