And so I think the BCCI will be forced to stop doing stupid things like going to Australia seven or eight days before the first Test with only one three-day game to get used to the conditions. At the moment, I am pretty certain they know it is wrong but I am just as certain they don’t worry too much about it because revenues are independent of players and spectators, products and customers. But if India look unprepared for Australia and do badly, and if viewers have the option of switching, the BCCI might be forced into doing something right. There is always another way of getting there, remember!

At the moment though, the ICL is a concoction of has-beens and never-will-bes. And you have to wonder about some of the former players jumping at the opportunity of filling their pockets. They are a bit like call centre companies—anyone who wants a job is welcome—but I guess they have no choice at the moment for they must start with they have. But it is in their long term intent that I believe their success will eventually lie. Zee have been quick off the blocks with most things they have done in television but it is their vision that will be tested.

They have had chief executives walk in and out every year, ambitious programmes vanish quietly and while they give the impression of being nimble you don’t always know if they are in it for the long haul. If I was a young cricketer today, I would want to be convinced of intent.

... contd.