HEADLINE: Great cricket, lame crowds

First established in the summer of 2003, T20 cricket competition took off in Nottingham, England. Briefly, the idea was, as usual, to bolster seriously-falling revenues at the gates of professional cricket-playing English counties. It was determined that with some necessary rule changes, it would prove attractive enough to bring in crowds that didn’t attend cricket.

Its success, mainly because of the shorter playing hours, rapidly spread through the British Commonwealth and especially India, whose cricket hierarchy took to the idea like a Trini to doubles. Businessmen loved the idea, since they viewed it as a fast-moving game that would take no more than three hours.

And the T20 professional leagues of the world were born. Sponsorship was rapid. Players were invited from all over the world at enormous remunerations, offers they simply could not refuse.

Ultimately, because of the sheer number of cricket grounds in India and its huge population’s love of cricket, T20 was a gigantic success.

Read more at Newsday

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In reply to CaribbeanCricket.com

I will maintain that the poor crowds at CWI matches has to do with the non-existent and lack of imaginative marketing and promotions by the insipid CWI. The T20I match on Sunday last had a so-so crowd for that match but the crowds came in later for the CPL game which followed. I guarantee that all grounds will be packed for the CPL starting this weekend. The CPL is all over social media and regular media. Here in Antigua, the Falcons have been hosting meet and greet with music, top local performers and giveaways every weekend. The same is happening in all countries that have CPL teams. Look at the excitement in Guyana when people slept outside the ticket office overnight to ensure they got tickets on the first day of sales. And the first 20 received free Amazon paraphernalia. Top local and regional singers and bands have been contracted for all CPL matches. So fans are excited. They are coming to party and have a good time and at the same time enjoy some cricket. While all of this is happening the CWI is sleeping. And yet, the same Directors are re-cycled over and over by the CWI.