Hayden calls for Shield cricket to be moved to winter

[Gozu]

It was reported last month that Cricket Australia was considering shifting Australia's premier first-class competition to the off-season to give the KFC T20 Big Bash League room to expand.

The inaugural Big Bash League drew huge crowds and TV ratings this summer while Shield cricket has struggled for recognition for over a decade.

Hayden, who made a comeback for Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, says the lack of spectators at Shield matches is a clear sign that things have to change.

"The fans, all six of them that go watch the game, actually aren't interested in that as an entertainment property," he said.

"For me, the eyes need to be on the tournament and focused around what our fans love. Because cricketers, when it all boils down to it, are nothing different to an entertainment package like someone from the music industry."

http://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/aus ... 6267523186

[Jim05]

Loved you as a player Matty but seriously you are a tosser

[scoob]

WADH! Stick to cookbooks Matty

[Ron Burgundy]

Get over it, money talks.

[Gozu]

It was intersting that Fox Sports (broadcast rights holder of the BBL) didn't mention in that article that Matty Hayden is a part-owner of the Brisbane Heat.

A nice puff piece to enhance the interests of both Fox Sports & Hayden.

[heater31]

He can't be serious surely

[Rik E Boy]

Matty Hayden is not a DH or a tosser but he is a part owner of the Brisbane Heat. Here endeth the thread.

regards,

REB

[Coach Bombay]

All stadiums will need a roof then.

[Q.]

There goes a whole lotta respect for the Haydos

[westcoastpanther]

He is a sell out to cricket and should be ignored now as he is nothing more than a complete slave to the almighty $

Respect for MH - Gonzo

[stan]

There is only one problem with Cricket in Winter.....and thats the fact that its Winter. Seriously how many days of cricket will you actually get?

[Jim05]

There is only one problem with Cricket in Winter.....and thats the fact that its Winter. Seriously how many days of cricket will you actually get?

When CA first suggested it about a month ago they were trying to get more neutral venues and play at Darwin and Cairns.

[Booney]

There goes a whole lotta respect for the Haydos

I bet his baggy green looked at his wallet and frowned.

[CENTURION]

seriously, who cares if not many people attend? Not many people watch the SANFL reserves either, its sole purpose is to get players bettered prepared for the next level.

[jackpot jim]

Some of the negatives of playing the Shield Comp in Winter in Darwin & Cairns

1/ Players wouldn't gain the valuable experience of playing under different conditions (pitch & weather) that are uniquely offered by playing in all the capital cities of Australia.

2/ Where would 'out of form' players go if they were to be dropped and where would the players to replace them come from as there would obviously be no grade cricket at that time.

3/ Same would apply to the Test cricketers during the Summer. No 1st class cricket to fall back on if dropped. The selectors would then be forced to select players on T20 and 1 day form to replace them.

[westcoastpanther]

Shoot the sell out between the eyes. Just because his career is over, what a tool. Respect now nil for you god botherer wanker

[Booney]

Shoot the sell out between the eyes. Just because his career is over, what a tool.

Respect now nil for you god botherer wanker

LMFAO...

[overloaded]

All respect lost


WADH

[Aerie]

Perhaps a reasonable portion of the one dayers and the first round of shield matches could be played in winter? Something has to give because the schedule is getting clogged up as it is and with the Big Bash a $uccess over December/January I doubt that will get shortened.

[overloaded]

**** the big bash off altogether