Wisden’s writers give their take on what changed for the better in 2019, and what needs to change next year.
2019 was one of the most memorable year’s in cricket history, and there were many reasons why it will be celebrated and remembered fondly, from Ben Stokes making a habit of playing epic knocks, Kusal Perera helping Sri Lanka create history in South Africa, Test cricket finally returning to Pakistan, and much else besides.
It wasn’t just the on-field action either. The use of concussion substitutes, the empowerment the players feel to speak about mental health were all big parts of why many left 2019 feeling positive. But there remains plenty to be improved upon, and in amongst the sparkling action were several warning signs to suggest the game’s continued flourishing mustn’t be taken for granted.
And so, we at Wisden sat down and decided to list out exactly what we liked about 2019, and what we’d like to change next year.
What changed for the better in 2019?
Karunya Keshav: Cricket shed its macho, take-it-on-the-chin attitude a tad, be it in embracing concussion protocols or in participating in frank conversations around mental health. There’s still work to be done, but the ability to embrace practical realities and acknowledge danger, while separating it from misplaced nostalgia has been a welcome change.
Manoj Narayan: The sport became sexy again. The authorities still need to do a lot to get bums on seats – and in the sub-continent in particular, that starts with making for a better stadium experience for fans – but as far the sport itself was concerned, the last year was near-perfect. From Kusal Perera’s epic in South Africa to Ben Stokes heists at Lord’s and Headingley, the cricket was of the highest quality in 2019, and dare I say, should have influenced quite a few children to take it up.
AS: It would be good to see a visiting team break India’s domination at home, and open up the competition in the World Test Championship. From a larger point of view, more coverage is needed for lower-ranked teams in international cricket for them to showcase their game to a bigger audience. Furthermore, a salary cap needs to be instated on uncapped players in T20 tournaments like the IPL, to ensure youngsters aren’t distracted by money in the nascent stages of their career.
SD: In 2019, Cricket Australia launched a transgender policy for top-level cricket and it would be amazing to see other cricket boards following in their footsteps. Cricket, like any other sport, should be inclusive, especially on the basis of gender.
RK: Cricket needs to do more against cases of sexual harassment. The #MeToo movement hit the BCCI in 2019 with the allegations against then-CEO Rahul Johri, but though he was found not guilty, the handling of the case by a three-member committee has left a lot of questions unanswered. Elsewhere, Scott Kuggeleijn making his debut for the Black Caps was another disappointing aspect of the year, given the rape case against him in 2016.
GS: Ireland famously achieved Test status in 2018, but they will go all of 2020 without playing a single Test. This news emerged a little before BCCI supremo Ganguly proposed a Super Series involving the Big Three – India, Australia, and England – and one other invited team. It’s a move that’s not going to help teams like Ireland or the Associate nations hoping to break through. There is a big gap between the haves and have nots in cricket, and hopefully, that’ll slowly change in 2020.
RG: More opportunities for associate nations in ICC events is vital. The 10-team 2019 World Cup was a huge success, but the game can only grow if Associate teams are given more exposure. It’s largely through global events that the they rise through the ranks. Ireland had an instant impact in the 2007 World Cup, and Afghanistan as well have evolved steadily as a team through these events. Not taking anything away from ICC’s pathway events, but the exposure at the world stage is a game-changer for a lot of these teams.
