INmy opinion, the ECB’s new T20 format is a reckless and unnecessary gamble. In pursuing a new audience, they risk alienating the old one. Half of all existing fans oppose the plans and a quarter don’t know.
In order to force reluctant counties to accept their plans, they are using what appears to be an unpleasant mixture of bribery and bullying. Tom Harrison denies the charge, but if it’s true that counties were told they wouldn’t get their £1.3m unless they went along with the new plans, that’s bullying in my book.
I’ve read the state...