New Zealand all-rounder Rachin Ravindra shared his views on the changes happening in cricket. He said that as much as franchise leagues are becoming a sensation these days, international cricket still holds huge importance. The sport seems to be shifting towards evolution, especially with new T20 leagues growing all over the world. According to him, though, it is international cricket that still holds the top place in the hearts of most players and fans.
Rachin Ravindra’s Opinion On Franchise Leagues vs. International Cricket
Much attention has been given to franchise cricket over the past few years. These leagues cough up large contracts and a less hectic schedule, which proves very tempting to many top players. It is this shift that New Zealand will now feel. Some of its key players have announced decisions not to continue with central contracts; rather, they would like freedom and the kind of financial rewards associated with playing in franchise leagues. This has opened up opportunities for new players like Ravindra to step up and shine.
Currently, Ravindra is juggling his international commitments with some time in franchise cricket. The 28-year-old plays for New Zealand but has also featured in a host of T20 leagues around the globe, including the IPL and, more recently, the inaugural MLC. He recently played for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and currently plays for the Washington Freedom in the MLC. Despite all the doors that have opened for him, Ravindra says he remains committed to his country.
No doubt, franchise cricket has changed things dramatically. Big contracts and flexibility in schedules goad many players toward these leagues. Many, because of this, are no longer available for international commitments. While franchise cricket is attractive, Ravindra still posits that so much value lies with international cricket. There are the World Cups and Test matches. Take the case of the World Test Championship: every test becomes significant.
Franchise cricket has been a real eye-opener for Ravindra. He got to share the dressing room with some of the world’s best and picked up a few things from them. He played with many of the top stars, like Steve Smith and Travis Head, which helped him raise his game. More importantly, the time he spent with the Washington Freedom—with a strong Australian contingent and Ricky Ponting as the coach—was quite beneficial.
Balancing Traditional and Modern Formats of Cricket
Franchise cricket presents many opportunities, but it is also essential to retain traditional formats such as Test matches and World Cups. For Ravindra, this is a committed time for international cricket despite the rise of franchise leagues; there is a view in the cricketing world that many players and a lot of fans still hold very close to their hearts: the traditional aspects of the game. The challenge is to respect those traditions while embracing new developments in the sport. In the future, cricket is going to grow and evolve. There will be shifting dynamics in international and franchise cricket; it is guys like Ravindra who will have a major role in shaping that future.
Even with increased franchise cricket, World Cups and Test matches remain the core of the game. They offer players the opportunity to play at the highest level and showcase their skills in front of a worldwide audience. For many, these formats represent the pinnacle of cricketing achievement. There is an essence to traditional formats that cannot be allowed to go with the wind if cricket’s heritage is to be protected. While franchise leagues bring many exciting new elements into the sport, one can’t forget the core aspects of international cricket.
