LEFT ARM OVER
NEIL MANTHORP: Test cricket needs to stand the test of best business practice
It may appear that there is no end to the money in sport but that is an illusion
The Ashes are as big a thing now as they ever were. The cricket-loving public and media were talking about the end-of-year tour down under before they’d even finished beating SA in July. To see the hype now, a fortnight before the first Test, it’s hard to imagine Test cricket fighting for its survival. But could the Ashes exist in a vacuum? Yes, why not? American football is a multibillion-dollar business that engages many millions of that country’s citizens without ever seriously catching on in the rest of the world. Same with Aussie Rules, for that matter, which is far wealthier and more supported than cricket in that country. Both countries would need to keep their first-class structures alive and healthy, but that wouldn’t be a problem because the England and Wales Cricket Board has plenty of cash to supplement the counties from its huge Sky TV deal and Cricket Australia can now look forward to years of wealth now that the Big Bash is firmly established. India has shown its incl...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.