I don’t want this to come out the wrong way, because I happen to love the Big Bash, but does anybody else find it tiring, night after night? That it’s perhaps a little bit draining, and all too consuming to keep track of?
The unfortunate thing is, matches of T20 cricket night after night for a little over a month is really the only way to cram a busy tournament like the BBL into a crowded summer schedule.
The concept of a ‘night off’ is rare – we only see it on Christmas Eve and Christmas night. Other nights scattered without BBL action are replaced by day-night ODI cricket. It’s a lot for even the most ardent of fans.
The competition has become a showpiece of the Australian summer, and it is an overflow of cricket that fans are still getting used to. This season has already seen many close finishes, brilliant individual displays of batting, five-wicket hauls, and some tremendous acts in the field.
Understandably, interest levels are high. But sometimes less is more – especially with a packed schedule.
However, the BBL requires action just about every night to ensure a swift completion – otherwise fans are left with a competition beginning in December and dragging into February. The current tournament structure is in the most appropriate time of year – most fans have holidays, while younger followers are on school holidays, allowing for maximum attendance and television ratings.
So, what can be done? Are there alterations to the setup available to avoid a case of BBL burnout? I am interested to hear the thoughts of Roarers.
GD66
Guest
Big No ! I don't watch all of every BBL game, but I only follow test cricket and BBL, gave away the day-long advertising fest of ODIs some time back. Nowadays I find the interruption of the BBL by ODIs intrusive and annoying. Last Thursday I saw a T20 team score 222 and lose the match, the next day in passing I switched on an ODI and after 20 overs the winning team had scored 2/80, SNORE ! The season is nearly over Ryan, hang in there mate. But what will you do instead in the evenings when it's gone ?
Xavier Smith
Roar Rookie
I'm still probably suffering from too much sun, but having just returned from a holiday to the Gold Coast, I think the BBL might be the only competition a GC team may work. Short season, relatively large population and absolutely buzzing with families on holiday looking for something to with the kids a night at this time of year.
jamesb
Guest
Ryan The BBL will finish next Saturday night- January 28. And the next BBL season will commence around December 20. I hope you don't get too burned out.
Bob Sims
Guest
Seriously, I don't find it a drain at all, cos I refuse to watch it. Problem sorted!
AREH
Roar Guru
Funny you should say, I reckon many wives/partners must absolutely cringe every time they hear the BBL mentioned haha..
Swampy
Guest
Can't see this as a problem. I see eventually the BBL ratings will consist of fans of (a) each team playing and (b) less neutrals only as a natural progression to an established league. Only games featuring in-form players or between top teams will attract masses of neutrals. No different to AFL, NRL or any major overseas sport. You'd think the growth in viewers in future will come from expansion to places like Canberra, Geelong, Newcastle and, God forbid, the Gold Coast graveyard.
Jack Russell
Roar Guru
40k last night and a million people watched on tv. I think we're not quite at burnout stage yet. As a comparison, there were more people at the MCG yesterday than watched the A-League game on TV nationally.
I hate pies
Guest
Geez my wife has big bash burnout.
Ken (Sava) Lloyd
Guest
Ryan. If you are getting bored with the BBL have a look at a replay of a Test match or an ODI game If that doesn't cure you ,then see a sports physco,maybe the one who cured Dave Warner of his Small Mans Syndrome or the one who is working on the massive job of making Spewious and Vomit normal good sport tennis players. Sava
Ozibatla
Guest
Im not a big fan of the bbl but its part of the 20/20 franchise that is sweeping the world over. Its what makes the most money, gets the highest tv ratings and draws the biggest crowds so its here to stay, if not become larger (think bbbl- bigger big bash league). It is certainly not the at the elite level compared to odis and tests nor does it have same level of professionalism but in a day and age of increasing hustle n bustle lifestyles, it offers a more practucal spectacle for people of all demographics. Im not just over the viewing aspect but the far wider implications it has on our sport but it is now entrenched in our favourite summer pastime. It is here to stay and unfortunately may even cause the demise of one of the other modes of cricket we have long watched and admired.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Yeah, I watch a game every few nights. I don't think you can watch all of them for reasons you've mentioned. It gets very samey and a lot of the star talent is out or unavailable atm. A lot of weeknights I have something on in the evenings anyway and get home just in time to see the end of the game. Had to chip the players on court while umpiring indoor cricket last night because they kept getting distracted by the Heat game blaring out on the TV's in the bar outside the court.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Yeah its pretty much same idea. I watch all the Heat games and a lot of other ones, and I often turn them on when I am bored. Ialso often only watch half a match after the innings break.
mds1970
Roar Guru
You don't have to watch every night. But it's nice to have the option - and the TV ratings tell us about a million people are exercising that option every night.
Atawhai Drive
Roar Guru
I watched it for several nights running but just as interest was flagging, I went to the Sixers-Renegades match at the SCG _ my first time at a BBL game. This renewed the interest for a few days, but last night my attention wandered and finally died. Tonight, much to Mrs Drive's relief, the BBL is not on the viewing schedule. Burnout is in the eye of the beholder. There is no need to alter the BBL schedule at this stage, certainly not if that means the tournament runs for longer.
Steve
Guest
Haha, as an MLB fan come and see me at the end of a 162 game season and we'll talk burnout -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Working Class Rugger
Guest
I love the BBL but even I don't watch it every night. Even if I wanted to I wouldn't be allowed. I tend tp tune into the Sydney games (both but especially Thunder games) and Perth games. Hell, I'm a huge Rugby fan and watch games from a range of leagues around the world. Many you likely haven't heard of but I'd imagine if I watched a game everyday it would ware on me. Moderation is the key to everything.
Basil
Guest
No one is forcing you to watch it. I only flick it on if I have nothing else to do but I don't think I've ever watched a match in its entirety. Something about all the fluff, bells and whistles, I just feel like I'm being duded by a sub standard shiny money making machine.
Sports Prophet
Roar Pro
Absolutely burned out. The compact season does not allow for an opportunity for a narrative. The season will be over shortly and in two months, hardly anything will be remembered in this quick fire, rapid, fixturing. I understand the difficulties associated with a longer BBL season, say home and away fixtures spanning two or three months. But without it, we will never have long lasting memories of any BBL season if the media don't get the opportunity to glorify stories of great victories and vilify villainous performances.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
If you are just starting to get a bit over it now, then that suggests the length is pretty good as we are only a few games from the end. It is a packed thing, but you don't have to watch every night as Christo commented, and one of the things that makes it so easy for fans is that it's only 4 home matches for each team (finals excluded) so it's so easy for lots of people to get along to all the games and pack out stadiums. It's working. It's become this staple of the middle of summer, filling up the school holidays, running into the tennis at the end of it. Basically it's just a sportopia through December and January and then regular program can resume in February.
Peebo
Guest
Just don't watch it every night. Problem solved