Australia batsman Matthew Hayden leaves the ground – AAP Image/Paul Miller
Cricket Australia’s Big Bash revolution has taken an unfortunate step backwards with the signing of Matthew Hayden to the Brisbane Heat.
Undoubtedly one of Australia’s greatest batsmen, Hayden is beginning to resemble the middle-aged boxer making yet another comeback, or worse still, Farnsy on one more ‘farewell’ tour.
Most recently dropped by the Chennai Super Kings after five consecutive scores under 20, the 39-year-old’s return not only has the potential to diminish his personal legacy, but is also a contradiction to the Big Bash’s mantra of developing new teams and new fans in new frontiers.
Put simply, the Heat’s signing of current T20 stars Brendan McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Daniel Christian from overseas or interstate make sense, and mixed with local talent the team has the potential to win games and put bums on seats.
If Hayden, as he intends, becomes a part-owner of the Heat franchise, the interesting dilemma could arise where someone has to tell the guy paying the bills that he can now do that from the sidelines.
I hope that happens sooner rather than later, as the credibility of the league, and ironically the success of Hayden’s investment, depends on it.
As Hayden attests, T20 has moved on from its early days as a novelty (remember Andrew Johns playing for NSW), and in that light, Hayden should move on, too.
The Corporate Box.
Guest
Dixie, very good story and i liked the question you posed; " the interesting dilemma could arise where someone has to tell the guy paying the bills that he can now do that from the sidelines."
Ben Carter
Roar Guru
The insane scare I got was reading that Eddie McGuire will be on the board of one of the Melbourne sides. That's just about done it for me. Bring on the return-to-50-overs Ryobi Cup! Woohoo!
Aware
Guest
Even at 39, Hayden is still better than Phillip Hughes and most other current batsmen in the country. If I was a betting man, I'd be willing to bet that Haydos is a sensation in this series.
amazonfan
Roar Guru
:D Exactly, we are talking about Twenty20. Anyway, couldn't Cricket Australia simply rule that co-owners can't also play? Or does that imply an integrity they simply don't have?
Brett McKay
Expert
Hansie, Hayden has already stated that he'll have to stand down from the Qld and CA boards for those very reasons, but he will be free to join the Heat board (and even saying that sounds stupid..)
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
In your article you say "I hope that happens sooner rather than later, as the credibility of the league..." I hate to say this, site unseen, but "Too Late". Seriously what credibility?
Hansie
Guest
Isn't there a conflict of interest with a Cricket Australia board member being a part owner of a T20 team? Isn't Cricket Australia setting up the rules of ownership, etc, etc?
Tenchy
Roar Rookie
I'm really skeptical about this new 20/20 format that CA has put together and while i hope Haydos does well, i cant see it happening. Then again Mick Lewis did a job for WA last year
m1tch
Guest
im guessing his tv show didnt go too well then..
James
Guest
Matt Hayden is a super star and I dont think he is doing it for the money or the stardom, he clearly has a lot of that. Clearly he believes in it and if you have read his book, when he commits to something he does it very well. I dont agree at all with your poor article and believe Haydos will be great for the BBL and the Heat. Re the colour, isnt the whole idea to talk to a new audience ?? The T20 is not about preaching to the converted. Young kids dont care about traditions. If Cricket doesnt try to engage the youth the sport will die in 10years. Get your head out of sand.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Queenslanders in blue. Just how stupid are these people ?
Kathy
Guest
If they are called 'brisbane heat' shouldn't their colour be red?
formeropenside
Guest
The unfortunate thing about the Heat is putting Queenslanders in blue. What a stupid idea this T20 comp is.