For a section of cricket fans, the World Cup is the best and most respected limited-overs tournament in the world and it can't be compared with a domestic T20 league. But, despite the criticism, no other domestic T20 league comes close to the IPL in terms of entertainment and the quality of cricket.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the most successful, popular and extravagant domestic T20 league in the world. Recently, AB de Villiers, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), said that the IPL is even better than the World Cup.
Talking to The Mint, de Villiers said: "Nothing comes close to the IPL, to be honest. I know I am sitting in India and busy playing in the IPL, so it’s easy to say. But I have played in quite a few (tournaments) now across the world. I think it’s better than the World Cup. It’s the most incredible tournament to be a part of. It wasn’t always the case. The first five years were nowhere close to where we are now. It’s so intense, so fast, and the following is just incredible."
For a section of cricket fans, the World Cup is the best and most respected limited-overs tournament in the world and it can't be compared with a domestic T20 league. But, despite the criticism, no other domestic T20 league comes close to the IPL in terms of entertainment and the quality of cricket.
There is one more aspect, in terms of rule, that can make things even more interesting and dramatic — the introduction of 'yellow' and 'red' cards. Let's have a detailed look at how this rule can make the IPL more interesting for the fans and players.
It would be fair to say that the level of umpiring in IPL 2019 wasn't at its best. In fact, it was nowhere close to being the best. Throughout the season, players objected to umpiring decisions in their own ways and this created a lot of drama in the middle.
For instance, Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni walked onto the pitch during a match and complained to the umpires regarding a no-ball which was first given by the umpire and then taken back. It was not right on Dhoni's part to do this and he received a lot of criticism for his actions. Now, if umpires are given the authority to flash yellow and red cards to players for their misconduct, it can add a lot of drama in the middle and also keep the players in control. Just imagine Dhoni walking back to the pavilion with a red card to his no name. And he will then have to miss the next match too.
This would trigger debates on social media, fans will get divided, and the umpires will also come under scrutiny.
***
In the final between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, Dwayne Bravo bowled a widish ball to Kieron Pollard, who expected it to be called a wide, but the call never came from umpire Nitin Menon. In response, an angry Pollard threw his bat many feet up in the air and walked away from the pitch on the next delivery. It was the all-important final and both the on-field umpires had to intervene and settle Pollard down.
Now, if Pollard was red-carded for his behaviour, Mumbai Indians would have lost one key player for the second innings. It could have shifted the balance of the game massively in the favour of one side like we have seen on numerous occasions in football.
***
T20 is not the purest form of the game and domestic T20 leagues across the world are trying their best to be as innovative and entertaining as they can. In such a scenario, the introduction of penalty cards can provide an all-new dimension to players, pundits and fans.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.