XtraTime Web Desk: An Australian business tycoon named Kerry Packer revolutionized the game of cricket long before the Indian Premier League (IPL) came into force in 2008. The World Series Cricket not only was a path breaking event in the history of cricket but it also revolutionized the way cricket has been looked at since then. It was Packer who conceptualized coloured clothing and Day Night cricket under floodlights made for a more enjoyable viewing. It was on this day in 1977 the news of World Series Cricket got leaked in the media.
Kerry Packer’s ambitious plans to secure the exclusive television rights for the test matches played in Australia in 1976 were objected by Australian Cricket Board. Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) had the sole rights for televising the test matches in Australia then. In a bid to obtain the television rights, Packer set up his own series by secretly signing agreements with leading Australian, English, Pakistani, South African and West Indian players. Former England captain Tony Greig played a major role in convincing stalwarts like Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Imran Khan and the Chappell brothers – Ian and Greg. Packer’s own television network, Channel Nine broadcasted the matches of World Series Cricket. Another important factor which influenced the players across the globe to sign the WSC agreement was they were not paid sufficient amounts to make a living from cricket.
Packer initially signed as many as three dozen cricketers. The biggest scoop was to convince the West Indian stars who won the World Cup in England in 1975. To get Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Gordon Greenidge and Andy Roberts on the board created a huge impact on cricketers from other countries like South Africa, Pakistan, England and Australia.
Apart from getting the big international stars on board, it was also important to change the perception of viewing cricket. For example all the highlights of a game were shown from only one angle, behind the bowler’s arms at that time. It soon changed once Channel Nine started broadcasting the World Series games.
Another game changing decision was to start the game later in the day which meant people can throng the stadiums after their office. Temporary floodlights were installed so that the games can go on till late evenings which ensured more spectators at the event. WSC also saw the implementation of drop in pitches as Australian Cricket Board did not allowed the matches to take place in traditional venues. Packer leased two Australian rules football stadiums, VFL Park in Melbourne and Football Park in Adelaide along with Perth’s Gloucester Park and Sydney Showground. Gabba ground curator John Maley was hired and he pioneered the concept of drop in pitches. It was the first time in International cricket that pitches were being prepared in a very short span of time. Helmets were also used for the first time in World Series Cricket after Australian David Hookes was hit by the West Indian Andy Roberts.
All of this revolutions happened under the nose of the cricketing boards including the home board in Australia. And the result, a sudden drop in viewership for test matches between India and Australia which took place almost at the same time.
Packer ultimately secured the television rights from Australian Cricket Board on May 30, 1979. Not only did Channel Nine win the exclusive rights to telecast Australian cricket, it was also granted a ten year contract to promote and market the game Down Under through a new company, PBL Marketing.
Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket not only revolutionized the game of cricket but made it even more popular globally.