Cricketers today are more into money, says Sobers

[jattafridi]

http://cricket.yahoo.com/cricket/new...bers-20100315/

Yahoonews, Indian Express, 15 March 2010
Renowned for his swashbuckling style of cricket, which made him a legend among cricket fans the world over and the West Indian cricket team a force to reckon with, Sir Garfield 'Garry' Sobers feels that cricket, for him, has always been "beyond any definable boundaries".

"However, cricketers these days are definitely more into the money rather than the game. The raw passion associated with playing the game is something that has lost its sheen in recent years," he says.

"For me, cricket has always been about being in the thick of things rather than standing in a corner watching someone else in the middle of the action. Be it any department of the game, I was enthusiastic about giving my best," he says.

In the city to felicitate the Pratapgad Warriors team of the Maharashtra Premier League, Sobers, who was at his candid best, also spoke about the changing face of the game in modern times. Big money is also one of the reasons why West Indies cricket is in such bad shape today.

Often ,players wait for the best of facilities and gear and for someone to come and escort them to the ground to play, he said. "What cricket today needs is the rare fervour that players had in them earlier on. The ability to just get up and get on the field and start playing, no questions asked. That is what cricket needs today, in all the formats of the game."

"With the introduction of limited overs cricket, the game itself has undergone a sea change. Batsmen have to score at a quicker pace, bowlers have to take wickets on a quicker basis and the whole game has progressed. However, it is ironic to notice that when Test cricket comes into the picture, the scoring rates plummet. More sixes were hit in Test cricket while I was playing than now," he reminisced.

Sobers, who hit six sixes in an over by Malcolm Nash, feels the feat overshadows his other achievements. "The thought of hitting six sixes came only after I had hit the fifth one. It was only then that I decided that no matter where Nash bowled, the last ball too would disappear over the ropes," he said.

Sobers, however, is a tad disappointed that people do not remember his other achievements.

"People do not really remember any of my other achievements but my six sixes. I am inclined to believe that hitting a lot of sixes is not very good for cricket," he said on a lighter note.

Sobers added that the techniques as well as the fact that players use heavier bats these days ensure that they do not have to move a lot to hit the ball effortlessly.

"It's like, the bats are heavier now, boundaries shorter, and newer techniques which have contributed to the acceleration of the game," he signed off.

Rohan Swamy

[kingusama92]

I disagree. Look at the better teams around the world right now. They still play with immense passion even if money is involved in the game.

All of these former players would have done the same as players are right now if money was offered to them.

[RexRex]

ahh .. WI has its very own Neil Harvey.

[Bonafide Hustler]

BY far the biggest problem I have with t20 cricket is the fact that the TRULY great minds of the game do not stand out, Lara and Tendulkar do not dominate the game as they would in test cricket and great players cannot express themselves in such a short format of time.

That is my only problem.

Secondly, about the money, if Sobers and the likes were offered the same money back then, they would also neglect their moral and national obligations in an effort to seek out the dough. It is human nature.

You love the game as a kid, you dont give a damn about the world watching you or corporations paying you, once you become older, obviously all those things factor in.

in anycase Sobers was the GOAT of all rounders, not just in cricket, but no sport has ever seen a man so well rounded in different departments of the game.

You could ALSO argue hes the greatest batsmen since Bradman.

[Savak]

All these ex test cricketers should shove it. If the same money was offered to them in the past, they would have taken it.

[kingusama92]

Originally Posted by Bonafide Hustler BY far the biggest problem I have with t20 cricket is the fact that the TRULY great minds of the game do not stand out, Lara and Tendulkar do not dominate the game as they would in test cricket and great players cannot express themselves in such a short format of time. That is my only problem. Secondly, about the money, if Sobers and the likes were offered the same money back then, they would also neglect their moral and national obligations in an effort to seek out the dough. It is human nature. You love the game as a kid, you dont give a damn about the world watching you or corporations paying you, once you become older, obviously all those things factor in. in anycase Sobers was the GOAT of all rounders, not just in cricket, but no sport has ever seen a man so well rounded in different departments of the game. You could ALSO argue hes the greatest batsmen since Bradman.

Just imagine the amount of money Sobers would have earned if he played during these times. It would be an epic amount. Same goes for most of that West Indies team.

[Garuda]

Originally Posted by kingusama92 I disagree. Look at the better teams around the world right now. They still play with immense passion even if money is involved in the game. All of these former players would have done the same as players are right now if money was offered to them.

Exactly. Money has become a part of cricket now a days which was lacking in yesteryears. Which is good for current players.

I won't think twice if my son wants to be a cricketer now a days where as I would have been worried for him in the past (in case he fails to make it to big stage)

However, even today also, only those makes more money who plays better and respect cricket.

[Fish]

Didnt Sobers join Packer in the world series cricket for the money.