The Evolution of Cricket: From Bradman’s Era to the T20 Revolution

Cricket has undergone a dramatic shift, particularly in the last two decades, with the rise of franchise-driven T20 cricket. This focus on power and entertainment has led to significant changes in pitch preparation, demanding more from curators. While Don Bradman played on just 10 grounds during his career, Sachin Tendulkar played on 59 diverse pitches, reflecting the increasing variation in modern cricket. The rise of T20 cricket has also introduced new challenges for curators, with the need to prepare pitches for various formats, including day-night tests, and the added complexity of dew and shortened boundaries. The ideal pitch for each format remains a complex debate, balancing the need for a competitive contest with the desire for exciting entertainment. Curators must navigate this complex landscape to deliver surfaces that satisfy the demands of different formats while ensuring a fair and thrilling game for both players and spectators.