Not Sure Cricket Can Continue To Have 3-4 Formats Simultaneously In The Future, Feels Ian Chappell

From timeless Tests to ODI cricket to slam-bang Twenty20s to now T10 and ‘The Hundred’, cricket has constantly evolved from being a one-format game to a multi-format sport. The Hundred is the latest edition to the list. The inaugural edition of the newly-created format that was launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB] in order to attract the young generation, was set to take place in July 2020.

But due to the onslaught of the coronavirus, the same has been deferred till 2021. Ever since the new format was launched, the world of cricket has been divided over its viability. Fans and pundits have been voicing their views against the concept stating that the already established three formats are more than enough for the sport to thrive.

Former Australian captain-turned commentator Ian Chappell has now voiced his concerns against the same. With the proliferation of COVID–19 causing a significant havoc on the cricketing calendar, the legendary Australian captain feels that it will be difficult to have three formats running simultaneously in the near future.

Also Read: Ian Chappell Reveals His Choice For Captain And Batsman Between Virat Kohli And Steve Smith

No logic behind the introduction of ‘The Hundred’: Ian Chappell

Chappell added that he does not see any point in introducing another format [The Hundred] as he believed that the Twenty20 format has done quite a brilliant job in bringing a lot of young fans to the game.

“I think T20 has been quite effective in attracting young people to the game. I have said all along that cricket’s job is to make sure that those young fans become cricket fans rather than T20 fans. I think that is important. I am not sure that the game can continue to have three formats or four if you count the Hundred,” Ian Chappell said during an interaction with Rajdeep Sardesai on ‘Sony Ten Pitt Stop’

He added: “I don’t see the logic of going from 120 balls to 100 balls. But I would hate to see the 50 overs game go as I think it is a very good time and it is still a game of cricket.I enjoyed the 50-over game. If I was not batting in the top 3, I do not think I would have enjoyed t20 too much,”

Chappell, on the same show, also went on to hail the legendary Erapalli Prasanna as the best spinner he had played against while alluding to the 25 wickets that Prasanna took during the 1967-68 Australian tour.

Also Read: ECB Cancels Contracts of Players Scheduled To Play ‘The Hundred’