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LEAGUE president Wayne Walsh says he is open to exploring how the Bendigo District Cricket Association’s Twenty20 competition could take on a similar format to the Big Bash.
Saturday’s Bendigo Advertiser outlined a concept as to how the BDCA’s Twenty20 competition could be given a shake-up to follow in the footsteps of the successful Big Bash.
Rather than each BDCA club fielding a team in the Twenty20 - a competition which has now been running for seven years - it was suggested five new teams sponsored by local businesses could compete.
The players for each team could be filled via a draft - with cricketers from neighbouring leagues welcome to nominate - and retired past players could take on a playing role with each team.
The concept also suggested each team could be aligned with a community organisation.
Walsh said he expected the merits of such a competition would be raised at the BDCA’s next board meeting.
“It’s worth exploring, no doubt about that,” Walsh said on Saturday.
“I was having a think about it today and I believe it’s at least worth having a look at.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
“It might get knocked on the head, but it is worth having a discussion about at our next board meeting.”
The concept has attracted a range of views on the Bendigo Advertiser Sport Facebook page.
“Could work. How about an under 21 comp under the same “franchise”, with same format for the young guns coming through getting exposure to this form of the game. Pie in the sky stuff, but food for thought,” Golden Square coach Scott Johnson wrote.
Tom Nicholson was in favour of keeping the current Twenty20 format as is.
“Keep developing the current format as it creates an opportunity for young players. BCC (Bendigo Cricket Club) has benefited from this as its exposed their young group over the past few seasons,” Nicholson wrote.
Former Kangaroo Flat player Jarrod Milsom supported the idea, but raised several questions based around training and scheduling.
“Great idea, but training would be a significant issue. When do you go and train and where?
“Clubs will not give up their own training nights for access to nets and players won’t train outside of the two club nights.
“Also, when do you schedule games, still Tuesday night?
“Games under lights will work best if those companies backing the teams put cash into ensuring grounds have excellent lighting.”
A Bendigo Advertiser poll asking if a Bendigo-style Big Bash competition could work has received 55 per cent of the vote in favour, and 45 per cent against.