By Halo
April 20 2004

Halo looks at some of the reasons behind the defeat to India and how the Domestic setup could improve things. Is it time to generate more interest in the domestic competitions with the introduction of a 20/20 competition? Improving the Pakistan Domestic Cricket Structure:
An Informal Proposal and an Analytical Solution

Abstract:

The Friendship Series between Pakistan and India proved to be a rude awakening for Pakistani fans. Pakistan was outclassed in every facet of the game. Pakistani cricketers displayed their short comings, their fitness level, professionalism, technique and execution left a lot to be desired. It is the authors view and of many other Pakistani cricketing greats to restructure the Pakistani domestic cricket structure. The author recognizes the need for an immediate change and provides a suitable analysis and solution based on the fiscal situation of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).


Introduction:

Pakistan has always had an uncanny ability to provide the most naturally talented cricketers in the world. Yet talent alone cannot always win you matches, there must be a performance level that demonstrates professionalism in all aspects of the game.
The domestic cricket structure in Pakistan has been flawed. There has been a lack of public interest, players do not have any financial security and worst of all the players are not groomed to a proper level of international cricket. Players like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Javed Miandad, Salim Malik, Zaheer Abbas, Waqar Younis etc have all gone abroad to hone their cricketing careers. Judging from their performance on the international level, all at some point or another have attributed their success to the domestic cricket played abroad, mainly in England.
Much of the blame can be placed on the PCB. The PCB for the last decade had heavily relied on the brilliance of a select few cricketing greats who won matches for Pakistan. Sadly, they failed to recognize, plan and groom international level cricketers for the future. This is the reason why Pakistan cricket has capitulated from one of the best sides in the world, to an average side at best. The PCB made an estimated $22 million from the Friendship Series. The PCB can use the financial resources in the following way to improve the domestic structure of cricket in Pakistan.

Analysis:

The current domestic structure has always been financed by large scale commercial entities such as a Pakistan Air Lines (PIA), WAPDA, and Customs and so on. Such commercial entities have failed to attract or excite the public about cricket at the domestic level. The author proposes a 10 team format that plays 3 day matches, one day matches and a 20/20 cup. The teams would be as follows:

1 Faisalabad
2 Sialkot
3 Karachi
4 Peshawar
5 Lahore
6 Multan
7 Rawalpindi
8 Quetta
9 Hyderabad
10 Azad Kashmir

Each team would play at least twenty 20/20 cup matches per team for a total of 200 such matches. There would also be 20 one day matches per team for a total of 200 one day matches. Finally there would be 20 test matches played per team for a total of 200 such matches.

Each city would have a nickname say for example the Karachi Warriors. There would be a city wide competition to come up with the best nickname and logo, with the winners receiving life time tickets to all home games for their domestic sides.

The 10 teams would be composed of 22 players, 2 coaches and one manager. Each player on the team would make $800/ year (about 48,000 Rupees/year). The current average per capita income of Pakistan according to Dawn.com is $600/year, so $800/year seems to be reasonable enough. The two coaches would make $900/year (about 54,000 Rupees/year) and the managers would make $1000/year (about 60,000 Rupees/year). The coaches and managers would be hired directly by the PCB. Player selection for the teams would be done by the managers and coaches. If the team wins a competition or certain players play more than others there would be a significant bonus to the salaries mentioned above. Players who are on the team will have some financial stability and can commit to bettering their game as competition for actual playing time will be difficult. Pakistan has a population of about 140 million people; just imagine how competitive it would be to one of the 220 players in the domestic league. Try outs would be held annually, thus allowing players to have some financial security.

The author has prepared an expense report (in U.S dollars, where $1 = 60 Rupees) for such a league.



Teams Breakdown Total Salary($) per player Total($)
10 Teams x 22 players = 220 players 800 176,000
10 Teams x 2 coaches = 20 coaches 900 54,000
10 Teams x 1 manager = 10 managers 1000 60,000

Other - travel, equipment, upkeep, bonus for winning, medical $20,000
Marketing $15,000


GRAND TOTAL ($)325,000




Additional avenues of income could include advertising, sponsorship, merchandising, TV and radio.

The author suggests that the 20/20 cup matches be played on Friday nights under the flood lights to attract a big crowd. Based on an operating budget of $325,000 some might wonder how and if the PCB would make any money. Well a simple break down can be done to come up with a viable solution. If the PCB with their marketing budget can get at least get 6,500 people per 20/20 cup match (on Friday night) at 15 Rupees per ticket ($0.25 cents) the cost of their (PCB) expenses would be met. Remember this does not include ticket revenues from one day and 3 day matches nor does it include any additional avenues of income (ads, TV, etc ).

A quick break down of the preceding paragraph that shows the math behind the break even point (cost).

Min ticket price Attendance per match Total season 20/20 cup matches/year
$0.25 x 6,500 x 200 = 325,000


Conclusion:

Many positives would arrive if such a system were to be implemented. The PCB could prepare an internal depth chart based on domestic season averages that would portray a better picture due to the competitiveness of such a domestic structure. Cheap tickets and a big marketing budget could certainly draw enough people to make money. Most importantly, Pakistan could have a domestic structure that produces better international cricketers. Pakistani fans can only hope that improvements are made. Until then, fans will continue their wait and see approach.