The ECB is not fit for Purpose.

[pablo]

It seems that the ECB are now going out of their way to upset everybody. Traditional cricket supporters are outraged by their obvious marginalisation of the longer format of the game, the more successful 'smaller' counties like Somerset, Sussex and ourselves will be sidelined by the absurd and potentially ruinous 'franchise' proposals and even the big beasts of Surrey and Yorkshire have had their noses put out of joint by Graves and Strauss either by the new 20;20 concept or dictats about team selection. The Durham situation most have found to be appallingly handled both in principle and practice.If the counties and minor counties ( who the ECB forgot about years ago but whose votes and patronage they now seem to need to push through their proposals)put Graves and Co in their position of power what's to stop them getting rid of them and why isn't there a groundswell to do so?

Despite what some people suggest cricket at the top level in this country has never been more awash with money and to some extent it's only the stupidity of the ECB pace Durham, Glamorgan and others in insisting on multiple international stadia that have caused the crises that seem to be emerging. I assume it is Graves, Bransgrove's and Strauss's personal wealth- the latter able to afford many thousand pound personal donations to the Conservative Party- that seem to hold others in thrall. Well I say it's time to get rid of them but who would do it and how could it be done ?

[nat]

Don't know how it can be done but I'll be with you in the trenches.

[Valentines Park]

Come back Giles Clarke all is forgiven.

[Andy]

Come back Giles Clarke all is forgiven.

That t#ss@r is the reason for these problems - negotiated TV rights that were worst possible outcome for the long term health of the game.

[Postman]

I would guess that most people who follow this board agree with Pablo's criticism. It should be possible to accept that some developments in the English game in the last 20 years have been beneficial-I would say central contracts and two divisions in the CC have been-while saying that the current leadership is taking us down the wrong path. What is missing from the ECB is any real voice speaking for those who pay their own money to watch cricket: I wonder when Graves, Harrison, Strauss etc last did that, if ever? The balance can only be redressed via the county chairmen representing their paying members properly instead of meekly saying "How high?" every time they are asked to jump.  Recently we've seen our own chairman taking a commendably independent line over the T20 plans and until others so the same, more often and louder, on this and other issues, nothing much will change.

[Andy]

I would guess that most people who follow this board agree with Pablo's criticism. It should be possible to accept that some developments in the English game in the last 20 years have been beneficial-I would say central contracts and two divisions in the CC have been-while saying that the current leadership is taking us down the wrong path. What is missing from the ECB is any real voice speaking for those who pay their own money to watch cricket: I wonder when Graves, Harrison, Strauss etc last did that, if ever? The balance can only be redressed via the county chairmen representing their paying members properly instead of meekly saying "How high?" every time they are asked to jump.  Recently we've seen our own chairman taking a commendably independent line over the T20 plans and until others so the same, more often and louder, on this and other issues, nothing much will change.

Central Contract and Two Division cricket addressed the pressing need to nurture and protect players who needed to focus on the international game - the shop window for the national game as a whole which had become a very shoddy looking display of overworked players.

The 2004 S*Y deal was totally wrong. By all means, play off broadcasters to the extent that the BBC didn't get complacent but not at the expense of BROADcasting the game to the casual fan, who possibly could be the fanatic that takes their kids in future years. Too many ex-public schoolboys and marketing idiots with no understanding of what was happening to the fan base.

[essexfan548]

What is missing from the ECB is any real voice speaking for those who pay their own money to watch cricket: I wonder when Graves, Harrison, Strauss etc last did that, if ever?

I totally agree! When did they last actually watch a match from the stands with cricket lovers?

They are totally out of touch with 'real life'.

[LeedsExile]

Strauss sat in the stand at the Middlesex v Yorkshire match and was abused by Yorkshire fans over the Bairstow omission.

[Perov]

But regretably with Middlesex winning he had the last laugh.

[jimmy]

Does a Middlesex win mean anything to him ?

[Valentines Park]

Does a Middlesex win mean anything to him ?

I expect he gets nostalgic about his hair when he thinks of his time there.

[Andy]

Does a Middlesex win mean anything to him ?

I expect he gets nostalgic about his hair when he thinks of his time there.

Oooh you beast!!!!!!! 

[Valentines Park]

Hmm ... I seem to recall you saying that Larry having a full head of hair was about the only thing going for him.

[nat]

Anyway ... back on topic.

Here's a couple of stats that should send a shiver down the spine of the ECB gin swillers and every cricket loving person in the land.

A recent survey commissioned by the ECB found that cricket was the favourite sport of only 2% of children.

Another recent survey found that the UFC champion was more recognised by children than Alastair Cook.

[jwb]

What is more interesting is that UFC is pay per view which is not the case for Sky cricket over and above the relevant package. So is it down to marketing? Private Eye has now got into the question of cricket finances and the role of Mr Graves and his family trust and the non conflict of interests. Let's hope they pursue it