A timely boost for ODIs?

The Champions Trophy 09,which kicks off on Tuesday,happens to be the first global one-day tournament after the unprecedented T20 success. Interestingly,this vital event will be played at those venues that witnessed the two big highs of in-vogue diet version T20 World Cup in 2007 and IPL 2 in 2008.

Looking at the star cast,glancing at the tight 15 days,15 games script and in the background of the vigorous pushing and shoving on top of the ODI ranking podium,the Champions Trophy doesnt seem like a dreaded countdown of one-day crickets demise but promises to be a timely dose of a life-saving drug to an ailing format.

There have been early indications that the men who have been responsible for keeping the original limited-over game healthy for about two decades will be on the case again. Old hands Sachin Tendulkar,Sanath Jayasuriya and Ricky Ponting the top three ODI run scorers just last week played the knocks which showed that,like them,the 50-over format too doesnt have a sell-by date.

Call it mere coincidence,twist of fate or plain circumstances but a few of more from the old boys club,who have seen the formats finest hours,have air-dropped here. Shane Bond,Rahul Dravid,Mohammad Asif and Ashish Nehra are proven ODI performers and their presence will be reassuring for the format in its hour of crisis.

Recent history shows that the success of a cricketing event depends on two factors a crowded stadium at the venue and a packed living room in front of a television set in India. The Champions Trophy draw has ensured that both the South African and Indian eyeballs are likely to be captured.

Considering that South Africa have England,Sri Lanka and New Zealand in their group,an early exit for the hosts is quite unlikely and an extended stay in the tournament almost guaranteed. The Indians fans too wouldnt lose interest quickly considering they play just one game in the first week.

With India slated to play their old and new traditional rivals Pakistan and Australia in two crucial games in the group stage,the advertisement slots arent quite going at bargain rates. Such is Indias itinerary that their fans will spend the first week of the fortnight-long tournament anticipating the big games and last seven days being Monday morning quarterbacks or preparing for a victory parade for MS Dhoni amp; Co.

Selling the game

With a lot riding on the tournament,the ICC is also on an overdrive with populist measures. Desperate to avoid the embarrassment of empty seats,the tickets rates have been slashed. Comparing the ticket rates of the two events pre-T20 2007 World Cup and post-T20 2009 Champions Trophy ICCs seriousness about selling the ODI version becomes apparent. The most expensive seat for the final in Barabados two years back was 300 thats about Rs 14,000 going by the exchange rate then. At Centurion here,a fan can get the best view of the final for just 140 rands or Rs 840.

The dash of colour on giant hoardings around the city and the presence of stars mean the slowly emerging shade of sepia around the ODI can be overshadowed. For now,the Champions Trophy promises to be a high-decibel wake-up call for those planning to catch 40 winks during a 50-over game.