Leagues threatening future of bilateral series, ICC CEO David Richardson

THE ICC CHIEF EXECUTIVE David Richardson today warned that the growing popularity of the domestic Twenty20 leagues like the IPL, Big Bash and CPL are threatening the survival of bilateral series with the exception of Ashes and big-ticket tours involving India. 

To arrest the decline of bilateral series, Richardson said a number of possibilities were discussed at the ICC annual conference in Barbados in June and would again be one of the highlights at the next Board meeting in October. 

"Apart from series such as the Ashes -- which has an iconic, traditional status -- and series between India and the top Full Members, many bilateral series are perceived as having little relevance. Attendances in most series, especially for Test cricket, have fallen and the revenues generated from these series are not growing. 

"The international cricket landscape has changed over the years and even more significantly in recent times with the advent and success of domestic T20 leagues such as the Indian Premier League, the Big Bash and the Caribbean Premier League. These events are attracting widespread support from fans and hence the interest of broadcasters, sponsors and other commercial partners. 

"Similarly the interest in and value of ICC events such as the World Cup, the Champions Trophy and World T20 has grown significantly over the last eight years or so. The increase in interest in ICC events and domestic T20 leagues effectively provides competition for the interest in bilateral international cricket series (FTP series)," Richardson told 'ESPNcricinfo' here. 

In order to enhance the appeal of bilateral series, Richardson felt that improved marketing and a more certain and coordinated schedule could be a solution. 

"How can we grow interest in bilateral series -- bigger crowds, more people watching on television, following the series on their phones, tablets and computers? For this to happen bilateral series need greater context, a clear narrative, improved marketing and a more certain and coordinated schedule," Richardson said. 

"What's the use of scheduling a series in the monsoon season or how can you expect to grow the fan base or attract attendances if series are scheduled or changed at the last minute?," he asked.