Last Updated on 4 years ago by Charbel Coorey
Cricket News: Rashid Khan calls for BBL to be shorter | Afghanistan Leg-spinner Rashid Khan calls for the BBL to be reduced in length
Afghanistan leg-spinner and the world’s premier T20 bowler Rashid Khan has called a shorter Big Bash League (BBL). Rashid, who recently completed his BBL 11 stint with the Adelaide Strikers ahead of Afghanistan’s ODI series against Netherlands, said that the length of the tournament should be around a month ideally.
“It’s a bit long, to be honest,” he told news.com.au.
“I have been here for the last 50 days and we have three games left, then the finals – if we go through – and then international duties come in the middle as well.
“I would love to have it in a month. That allows everyone to be there and stay until the finals and then finish up for the team.
BBL length and COVID-19 can take a toll mentally – Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan also said that the length of the BBL, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, can take its toll on players. Cricket Australia (CA) has worked around the clock to keep the tournament going this season after COVID-19 cases rocked franchises, particularly Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat.
“Especially nowadays with the Covid stuff going on, it does affect you mentally. Being in the bubble, you hardly go out. You’re always in your room, having Uber Eats. It affects you mentally.”
However, CA has avoided enforcing extremely strict bio-secure bubbles as they desire to give players some freedom. Rashid said that this was well received and a welcome decision for players.
“Compared to other leagues, it’s pretty easy and relaxed here,” said the leg-spinner.
“We can go have takeaway … you are able to go outside, have a walk, have a bit of fresh air, which is hardly happening in other leagues.
“Hopefully this can be the last BBL with restrictions, and we can get back to the normal life.”
Other players also call for revamped BBL
Rashid Khan has joined other players in calling for a revamped BBL.
Last week, Melbourne Stars and Queensland batsman Joe Burns offered a potential solution where matches can be played as rounds over eight weekends after record-low crowds at the MCG.
Also, Perth Scorchers seamer Jason Behrendorff, speaking with Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), pointed to the length of the tournament as a reason why the casual fan can find it difficult to keep up with the BBL.
“The complaints over the past couple of years have been that it’s started to drag too long, and the big thing for me was having kids and understanding how the schooling timetable works again,” said Behrendorff.
“You want to have your finals before school goes back, because that’s when you’re going to get the bigger crowds, that’s when all the kids can still come.”
The height of the BBL’s success in its early days revolved a short, sharp tournament with both Australian and international stars available for at least a large portion of the competition. CA’s huge $1.2 billion TV deal in 2017, which included a full home-and-away BBL season, has seemed to have an adverse effect on fan engagement.
BBL 11, which began back on December 5, is nearing its business end. Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars are fighting for a finals spot, while the Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers are confirmed finalists.
The Final will be held on the 28th of January.
