In a new dialogue about the future of Bermudian cricket, senior administrators from other Cricketing nations have offered a series of suggestions to halt the sport's decline and reignite local interest.
Speaking with www.islandstats.com, the administrators shared their insights on addressing falling participation numbers and increasing accessibility to the game. The discussion acknowledged the current state of cricket in Bermuda, with a shared sentiment that a new approach is needed.
The suggestions, presented as a five-point plan, focus on modernising the sport and making it more inclusive.
The Five-Point Plan
Introduce Accessible, Modified Versions of the Game: The first suggestion is to develop simplified versions of cricket, such as junior and senior indoor leagues. The goal is to reduce equipment needs and playing space, making the sport a more social and less intimidating activity for people of all ages.
Invest in School and Youth Programmes: This is a crucial recommendation to rebuild the sport from the ground up. By collaborating with local schools and youth organisations, cricket can be introduced to children at a young age through after-school clubs, summer camps, and coaching clinics. This is seen as a vital step to creating a pipeline of future players.
Promote the Game Through Digital and Social Media: The third point focuses on leveraging platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to showcase the most exciting and dynamic aspects of cricket. Short-form video highlights of catches, sixes, and fast-paced action are seen as key to targeting a younger, digitally-native audience and converting passive viewers into active players.
Create Community-Based Leagues and Tournaments: This involves organising less formal, more inclusive local leagues with mixed-gender teams and short-format games. This approach fosters a sense of community and provides a clear pathway for people to get involved without the significant time commitment of a full-day match.
Leverage Influential Athletes and Celebrities: The final suggestion is to partner with star cricketers, both local and international, and other celebrities as ambassadors for the sport. Their involvement can generate media attention and make the game more visible and aspirational to a new generation.
Start the season earlier using Concrete Wickets and the Role of Concrete Wickets
The discussion also touched on the use of concrete wickets, a practice common in countries like India. The administrators highlighted that while not for professional use, concrete pitches covered with a mat offer significant benefits at the community and youth level. They are durable, low-maintenance, and provide a consistent, true surface for young players to develop their skills, helping them get used to pace and bounce. This consistent practice environment is seen as a key factor in developing well-rounded cricketers who can adapt to different conditions on the international stage.
The proposals underscore a clear message: a bold, new approach is needed to reverse the trend in Bermudian cricket. The hope is that the suggestions will be viewed as a blueprint for action rather than a list of reasons why change is not possible.
|
