International cricket acts as a bridge between nations and helps foster diplomatic relations. International matches provide an opportunity for players from different countries to interact, build friendships, and develop mutual respect. Cricket has often been used as a means to improve bilateral relations between nations, as it transcends political boundaries and brings people together through the spirit of sportsmanship.
It also allows countries to showcase their sporting talent and compete against each other on a global stage. Representing one's country in cricket instills a sense of national pride and identity among players and fans. The success and performance of a national cricket team can have a profound impact on the morale and unity of a nation.
Through international tournaments, cricket reaches new regions, encouraging participation and development in non-traditional cricketing nations. This helps diversify the sport and create a more inclusive cricketing community. The top bookmakers in India have cricket odds on their platforms.
While international cricket continues to be popular, it faces challenges and struggles that impact its growth and sustainability. The emergence of domestic T20 leagues, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and other franchise-based tournaments, has led to a shift in focus and popularity towards these leagues.
Players often prioritize these lucrative leagues over international commitments, resulting in player workload management issues and decreased participation in international matches. International cricket has faced criticism for a perceived lack of competitive balance, particularly in bilateral series, with some teams dominating others, leading to predictable outcomes and less excitement for fans.
In the past, international cricket witnessed more bilateral and trilateral series. In this article, we have compiled a list of three tournaments that should restart to revive the declining value of international cricket.
NatWest Tri-Series
The NatWest Tri-Series, also known as the NatWest Series, was a limited-overs cricket tournament that took place in England. It was sponsored by NatWest, a prominent bank in the United Kingdom, and organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The tournament featured three international teams playing in a round-robin format, followed by a final.
It was discontinued after the 2006 edition due to scheduling conflicts and changes in the international cricket calendar. If the series starts again, it will be a great value addition for the young players from the participating teams. The series will help the respective cricket boards craft the talent of young cricketers and prepare them for future challenges.
Afro-Asia Cup
The Afro-Asia Cup was a cricket tournament played between teams representing Africa and Asia. The tournament aimed to promote cricket in both regions and provide a platform for players to showcase their skills on an international stage. The Afro-Asia Cup was organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and held in both One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 (T20) formats.
There were only two editions of the tournament which took place in 2005 and 2007. It was discontinued because of scheduling conflicts between the different cricket boards. The Afro-Asia Cup was seen as an opportunity to bring together players from different countries in each region and foster camaraderie. It provided a chance for cricketers to interact and learn from each other. Its revival will help international cricket discover new talent on both continents.
VB Series (Australian Tri-Series)
The VB Series, also known as the Australian Tri-Series, was a limited-overs cricket tournament held in Australia. It was sponsored by Victoria Bitter (VB), a popular Australian beer brand, and organized by Cricket Australia. Over the years, the VB Series attracted several prominent cricketing nations, including Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Zimbabwe.
Matches were held at various cricket grounds across Australia, providing fans with the opportunity to witness high-quality cricket action. The series later got rebranded as the Commonwealth Series and eventually discontinued. The reintroduction of the VB Series will greatly benefit Australian cricket and, in turn, develop more fans for the sport in the continent.
