ICC chief executive David Richardson worried about the future of bilateral series

David Richardson is worried at the success of domestic T20 leagues

ICC chief executive David Richardson has expressed concerns about the future of bilateral series, ESPNcricinfo reported. The South African also hinted that talks will be held to decide on ways to improve interest in individual series.

Richardson expressed concerns at the success of domestic T20 leagues and feels even the major bilateral series’ like the Ashes will be affected if changes are not made in how the game is being played at present.

"The international cricket landscape has changed over the years and even more significantly in recent times with the advent and success of domestic Twenty20 leagues such as the IPL, the Big Bash and the CPL,” Richardson told ESPNcricinfo in London. “These events are attracting widespread support from fans and hence the interest of broadcasters, sponsors and other commercial partners.”

"Apart from series such as the Ashes - which has an iconic, traditional status - and series between India and the top Full Members, many bilateral series are perceived as having little relevance. Attendances in most series, especially for Test cricket, have fallen and the revenues generated from these series are not growing."

"Similarly the interest in and value of ICC events such as the World Cup, the Champions Trophy and World Twenty20 has grown significantly over the last eight years or so. The increase in interest in ICC events and domestic Twenty20 leagues effectively provides competition for the interest in bilateral international cricket series (FTP series), Richardson said, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Richardson hints at creation of Test and ODI world cup qualifying leagues

Richardson confirmed talks have already been held at the ICC annual conference held in Barbados in June. Further discussions will be held at the ICC Board meeting in October to decide on ways to make such series attractive.

“Scheduling more tri-series, creating a brand around the FTP and around individual series, creating a fresh brand for the ODI format itself, the creation of Test or ODI World Cup Qualifying leagues. These are all ideas that need to be considered and discussed. They have been mooted before, but now with the involvement of Mr Srinivasan as Chairman, the BCCI, ECB, CA and the other Members, these issues are being seriously looked at,” Richardson told ESPNcricinfo.

"We are just in discussions at the moment. Michael Holding has spoken about a Test league of two divisions, others have previously suggested a six-and-four teams format. But first the principles and then the detail needs to be debated and agreed. I think it is achievable if all the Full Members think it is worthwhile and want it to happen."

"The debate on leagues is still in the drawing board phase, but even if leagues were introduced, the rankings would still coexist. The ICC rankings will always be there. Take international football, for example, they have qualifying leagues for the FIFA World Cup and Continental tournaments, separate to the world rankings," Richardson said.

With recent happenings like Pakistan pulling out of their scheduled tour to Zimbabwe in August and discontent in certain quarters about scheduling of Bangladesh-India series during the hosts rainy season, Richardson said that individual boards need to be more careful with their planning.

"How can we grow interest in bilateral series - bigger crowds, more people watching on television, following the series on their phones, tablets and computers? For this to happen bilateral series need greater context, a clear narrative, improved marketing and a more certain and coordinated schedule," Richardson said, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. "What's the use of scheduling a series in the monsoon season or how can you expect to grow the fan base or attract attendances if series are scheduled or changed at the last minute?"