SlowDownDerek
UTC Legend
AlGard - 14/9/2016 18:11
SlowDownDerek - 14/9/2016 19:03
I think it shows how little they know about the people they are trying to attract. It might work in Birmingham or London or even Manchester but how many Bournemouth or Portsmouth people are going to want to watch Southampton? The majority of Yorkshire hates Leeds so I can't see many people from Sheffield or Bradford going along to support the Leeds Knuckledraggers or whatever they will be called. Silly idea.
Sadly there will be the gradual decline of county cricket. The home and away format of the 4 day game will be withered to playing teams in your division just once a season (8 x 4 day games), hence leaving more time for "Big Bash" cricket.
Not sure how many attend Hampshire games, but the 20 over game sells well, and that is where the money is.
It's a shame but then again I've been to plenty of limited over games at the Ageas but never a 4 day county game. These games are never going to generate the money they need to expand the sport like in India or Oz. Hopefully it won't be the end of the county championship because test match cricket may suffer and that is the best form of cricket there is.
On the subject of Hampshire, personally I can take them or leave them. I've gone and supported them but in truth I don't have any kind of affinity for them - I wonder if any Bournemouth people under 40 do either. I'd support Yorkshire over Hants.