Interviews by Zoisa Fraser and Photographs by Jules Gibson
(Will 20/20 have an impact on test cricket? We asked the man/woman in the street this question and here is what they said.)
Mark Benschop, publisher – `20/20 cricket is good and the organizers must be congratulated for that. I think that this form of the game is better than Test cricket because in 20/20 the youngsters are given an opportunity to showcase their talents. It allows youth, especially those from depressed communities, to look forward to something. I hope though that (Allen) Stanford and the other organizers could come to Guyana and go into communities and villages where the talent lies. We here should start playing more of this form of the game. I think that in time this form of the game will replace Test cricket. 20/20 holds the excitement, while Test cricket is boring. I want to see players reaping the benefits, not just the organizers.’
Trevor Augustus, minister of religion – `20/20 is a shorter version of the game and it attracts many people because of the entertainment it possesses. You would find that the interest will lie in this version of the game rather than in Test cricket. However, I don’t think that 20/20 cricket can replace Test matches because Test cricket is the foundation of the game. It is at this level that you separate men from boys. I think that there is space for both forms of the game. Each will draw its own crowd.’
Lachaman Gobardhan, taxi driver – `20/20 is the going thing now. Everyone is behind that now because of the excitement. In three hours, you have a nice game. The players, spectators and the commentators all have a nice time. This version also brings faster results whereas Test cricket is too painful to watch. One could identify players from Test cricket to play in 50 overs, 20 overs and Test matches. Not all players can play 20/20 cricket. There is more money in this form of the game and more investment. I think that people prefer the shorter version because they don’t have to cater for five days of expense. I don’t believe that 20/20 cricket can replace Test cricket. It should be played at the National Stadium every month. Players from all the countries should come and utilize this facility.’
Gordon Critchlow, sign painter – `Yes it will. 20/20 matches will bring out more people. They will enjoy a good day or night of cricket and then people still have time left for themselves whereas in a Test match, it gets boring and nobody would want to come out to see five days of cricket. Test cricket is a thing of the past. Fifty overs and 20/20 are the going things now. I think that it will replace Test cricket. You are seeing it right now. Even up the East Bank, there are 20/20 cricket matches on Sundays and people come out to support it. In the parking lot right next to the stadium too. 20/20 has a lot of money.’
Kelvis Chisholm, security guard – `No I don’t think so because there is a big difference between the two in terms of time. 20/20 get a better crowd, more people turn out and it is only based after hours so you get more time to yourself. I prefer the Test cricket though because you get to see a batsman twice, while in 20/20 it is only once. People would come out to see the shorter version because of the time. It is spreading because it is a fast game but I don’t think it will have any effect on Test cricket. It might have a crowd but it will not affect that version of the game. Test cricket will always remain.’
Yonette Paddy, private sector employee – `Yes it will because 20/20 is a shorter version and because the world is advancing. People would no longer want to sit and see a match for five days when it could finish in less than a day. People are drawn to it because it is more exciting, even more than a one-day match. 20/20 brings out one’s true talent. I think that Test cricket will always remain. I prefer 20/20 matches and I think more should be played in Guyana so that players here can get more accustomed to this form of the game.’
Crystal Kissoon, sales representative – `Yes it would because more and more people are supporting this form of the game. I see that there is a possibility that 20/20 cricket will replace Test cricket. Test is boring and 20/20 holds the excitement for me. Players are also opting to play 20/20 because of the money and the prices involved. We should get accustomed to this version of the game and start playing it more.’
Leonard Kissoon, private sector employee – `It will because more people will go to 20/20 matches because they are more entertaining. People these days are looking for that and not for people playing five days of the game. The shorter version is very good. A lot of players too are being drawn to the shortened version because there is a lot of money involved whereas in Test cricket, you are just playing for prestige. Test cricket is a gentleman’s game. People these days are looking for money. I am happy that it has now expanded to other parts of the world and that shows that other people appreciate the game.’
Zalina De Caires, housewife – `20/20 will draw more people because it is more exciting. It is a shorter version and people want time for themselves. It is boring to sit for five days and look at a match and it is worse when it falls on a working day and you can’t go to the match. 20/20 is less money because you buy one reasonably priced ticket and then you don’t have to study about having to buy snacks for five days. I like 20/20 from the little I have seen. It is very enjoyable.’
Imran Alli, private sector employee – `People will support 20/20 cricket more because it is more exciting. Test matches run for five days and are boring. Players go to 20/20 matches because of the money involved. I would go to a 20/20 match. I think in another five years Test cricket will be replaced by this shortened version of the game. I think that more of our talented players should play more of 20/20 cricket.’
