Money Talks

It was nice to attend my first cricket match of the season this week, although sadly, the England team didn't manage to put in a good performance. With the players coming straight off the back of The Hundred competition without a break, and also having not played the one day game at international level since the beginning of June, you have to question the preparation made prior to this three games series against South Africa.

As the game of cricket fights for survival in the monetary stakes, it’s undergone some changes to try and make it more financially viable. Focus on the shorter formats of the game - which give more instant gratification in terms of results - has been paramount to this, which hasn't pleased the more traditional supporters.

But of course cricket isn’t the only sport struggling to survive, as all and sundry is eclipsed by the unmatched resources of top division football, with its global market and international investors. Issues have arisen even in this most popular of sports, however. The high levels of wealth arguably only exists within the Premier League and clubs at lower levels, including the second tier Championship, are encountering problems.

Cash reigns supreme and those at the top of the pile are unlikely to jeopardise their standings, including agreeing to any reduction of revenue that could be redistributed to lower stature clubs. In the interest of the minority fan base, as well as diversity and preservation, I hope cricket and other ‘secondary’ sports are able to survive the test of time.

@ECB_cricket @TheNorthernEcho