Franchise cricket has taken the world by storm, with various leagues emerging across the globe. Tom Moody, a former Australian all-rounder and current director of cricket for the Desert Vipers in the DP World ILT20, shared his insights on the evolving landscape of franchise cricket and the enduring significance of Test cricket.
As Moody looks ahead to the second season of the DP World ILT20, he expresses confidence in the team’s preparation and recruitment process. The Desert Vipers, having finished as runners-up in the inaugural edition, aim to go the distance this time. Moody, currently in Dubai, discusses the league’s infancy, acknowledging the challenge of matching the quality and standards set by the Indian Premier League (IPL), which he considers the premium franchise league.
“While this league is still in its infant stage, the standard here is very good,” Moody remarks during an interaction at the ICC Academy in Dubai. The rise of franchise cricket has indeed become a global phenomenon, but Moody recognizes the IPL’s dominance and the difficulty in replicating its success.
As T20 cricket gains popularity and more players gravitate towards this format, questions arise about the future of longer formats such as Test and One Day Internationals (ODIs). Moody, however, believes that Test cricket will endure. Despite challenges posed by the proliferation of franchise events, he emphasizes that many young players aspire to play Test cricket as their ultimate achievement.
“We’ve witnessed numerous captivating Test matches and series in recent months, indicating the enduring appeal of the format. However, sustaining a full Test cricket calendar may prove challenging for many playing nations due to the proliferation of franchise events worldwide.”are going around the world,” says the veteran Aussie.
The workload balance in modern cricket is a crucial aspect, given the year-round schedule. Moody reflects on how he would have managed his career in the current era, highlighting the privilege of having the option to play franchise cricket. While his priority would always be representing the country and achieving success at the highest level, he acknowledges the allure of franchise cricket as a unique and privileged opportunity.
“I have never participated in T20 matches, but the format would have complemented my playing style. My foremost focus would always be on representing the country and achieving success at the pinnacle of the sport.”But to have the option at some stage in your career to play franchise cricket is a very privileged position to be in,” Moody states.
The conversation with Moody delves into the broader context of cricket’s evolution, where franchise cricket has created new avenues for players but also poses challenges to traditional formats. As leagues like the IPL continue to thrive, Moody’s insights shed light on the delicate balance between the different formats of the game.
The DP World ILT20, being in its early stages, presents a unique opportunity for players, administrators, and fans to witness the growth of yet another franchise league. Moody’s role as the director of cricket for the Desert Vipers provides him with a front-row seat to the league’s development and the challenges that come with establishing a new competition in the cricketing landscape.
In conclusion, the cricketing world is experiencing a dynamic shift with the rise of franchise cricket, and Moody’s perspective offers valuable insights into the current state of the game. While challenges persist, particularly in matching the quality of established leagues like the IPL, the allure of Test cricket remains strong. As players navigate the demands of a packed schedule, the delicate balance between formats continues to define the evolving narrative of cricket in the 21st century.