The influence of COVID-19 on Cricket

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The COVID-19 pandemic has left a devastating impact on the planet. The effects of the virus have been far reaching with entire countries going on lockdown, sending shockwaves across industries and leaving the global economy reeling. 

Free hit contributor – Shehan Dias

The sports industry has not been immune either, as nearly all sports have been suspended or affected in some way. The pinnacle for athletes, the 2020 Olympics was postponed in an attempt to safeguard sportspersons and the host country, Japan.

Sri Lanka Cricket set to commence training under health guidelin

Similarly, cricket matches at school, club, regional and international levels continue to be suspended or cancelled entirely. Fortunately, the test series between England and the touring West Indians have provided cricket fanatics with a reason to smile as international cricket resumed after nearly 4 months. While the return of cricket was cathartic for viewers of the game, changes have been implemented in the wake of the new normal, affecting all stakeholders. 

Impact on players: Redefining boundaries 

Players have been requested to forego the use of saliva in an attempt to shine the ball. While alternatives such as wax were discussed, the custodians of the game have rejected the use of external substances, ensuring that players use sweat to shine the ball. Whether it proves to be an effective substitute remains to be seen. 

Caption – No saliva will be allowed in the interim

In addition, maintaining distance between players will be a challenge. As seen in the toss between the two captains in the first test, one of whom accidently went to shake hands with his opposite number. While this gave a chuckle for some viewers, it worried others. Armchair critics will be quick to remark that both sides are at fault given the regular contact that occurs among teammates, especially at the fall of a wicket. However, the players have undergone extensive testing prior to entering the ground, which provides them the confidence they need to express themselves. In addition, celebrating when their colleagues (ie: bowlers) do well (get wickets) is part of the game, therefore it is important to cut the players some slack.

For cricketers who are yet to play a game, their training was largely affected as the need to stay in shape is paramount. Several players of the Sri Lanka men’s cricket team posted their workouts online, allowing fans to catch a glimpse of their role models while they attempted to ‘work from home’. However, as countries seek to loosen restrictions, cricketers are resuming their training as a team, while adhering to strict health and safety guidelines. This is crucial for players as it helps to ensure their skills remain sharp and their motivations do not wane when they are called to don their national colours.  

Impact on Spectators: Enhanced screen time 

The most obvious difference for spectators is the inability to gather in stadiums. Ardent fans of the game will attest that there is nothing better than seeing their heroes live in action. Nevertheless, audiences can still watch matches on TV or by using online streaming services. 

Caption – More individuals are turning to their phones to watch cricket

While TV remains popular, the availability of cheap data plans and ever-rising usage of mobiles in the subcontinent diverts cricket fans to go online. With the added advantage of connecting with fellow cricket fans and access to a wide library of matches, more and more individuals will look to online platforms to watch past games (1996 World Cup final in Lahore anyone?) – and are likely to stay online after the pandemic subsides. 

Impact on Broadcasters: Revaluating strategies

In the early stages of the pandemic, TV stations showed past matches in an attempt to keep audiences glued to their screens. While this is a good move in the short term, the reduced business activity will mean fewer companies have the marketing budget to spend on TV commercials, which translates to reduced revenues for broadcasters. As such, it is important that they look at alternative revenue streams while balancing existing relationships. 

Cricket needs to think out of box to overcome impending financial crisis

Mutual solutions between sponsors and broadcasting companies should be expected, as agreements are likely to be extended- albeit with amended terms, in order to ensure that business relations are maintained and both parties benefit. In addition, broadcasters are working with cricket grounds to provide ambient noise to make the lack of a live audience less obvious to players and spectators alike. 

Furthermore, this may be the ideal time for sports broadcasters to look at their own digital streaming platforms. With more sports viewers using their phones, tablets and smart TV to access older matches, broadcasters may seek to move on from traditional TV and take a closer look at streaming sites in an attempt to garner more views. The Indian Premier League (IPL) entered into a partnered with Youtube to broadcast its matches live across the world in the early 2010’s. While a seismic change may not occur immediately, going digital is increasingly becoming a viable option as cricket lovers across the world look to cheer their favourite teams, safely.

 

*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ThePapare.com.

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