Saturday, July 13, 2024

THE ART OF CRICKET COMMENTARY

 


Image Credit- Daily Telegraph.


One fine evening, I switched into the Jio Cinema App to watch Pepsi IPL 2024. While watching the game I found out that there were options of listening to cricket commentary in regional languages. Curiously, I selected Bhojpuri Commentary and found it humorous and entertaining. However, soon I realized that something important is missing. This observation wasn't limited to Bhojpuri alone but extended to other regional languages as well. The missing element was the cricketing knowledge and understanding of the game. The regional language commentators did entertain their audience but were unsuccessful in imparting cricketing knowledge.

For someone used to the high standards set by legends Bill Lawry and Richie Benaud, this experience was disappointing. Back in the 2000s, cricket fans not only watched matches, but also absorbed cricket analysis and commentary with utmost seriousness. No True Cricket Fan can ever forget the Alan Wilkins Show or the Channel 9 Coverage. I must admit that these legendary commentators not only educated me about cricket, but also improved my vocabulary. Due to them I have been constantly following the Australian Cricket Summers since 2003-04.    

Unfortunately, amidst the overwhelming commercialization of cricket, we seem to have lost the essence of cricket commentary and analysis. While Sky Cricket do provide some solace, but nothing matches the class of Channel 9 Coverage.   

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