6 things every Indian cricket fan wishes to see in 2015

2014 has not been the best year for Indian cricket. With multiple overseas losses, severe criticism from senior players and fans alike and the never-ending N Srinivasan saga, Indian cricket has been through one of its worst phases in recent times. But as the saying goes, ‘new year, new beginnings.’As ardent fans of the Indian team, we all have our own opinions and beliefs as to what should change and what shouldn’t. But here are some important things that this writer believes Indian cricket should work towards in the new year:

#1 Revamp (or scrap) CLT20

How many people cared about the CLT20 last season? Does anybody care who wins and who loses? In a bid to cash in on the IPL as much as possible, the BCCI has pushed for the CLT20 every year even though the response worldwide has been lukewarm, to say the least.

Instead of living in denial, the ICC (and BCCI) should accept that the tournament needs to be completely revamped or scrapped completely. Make it shorter, make it a biannual tournament, figure out a better way to market it, or just accept that people are not interested. Whatever the decision, someone needs to justify the tournament’s presence in the cricketing calendar.

#2 Better marketing of domestic tournaments

The Ranji Trophy, the Duleep Trophy, the Irani Trophy, the state-level T20 tournaments, among other competitions, is where a bulk of India’s young talent plies its trade. It's time the BCCI makes these tournaments more accessible and popular to the general public. While one has to admit that the BCCI has done a good job in paying the players to play in these tournaments, they need it to get bigger and have a wider reach.

While it’s admirable that a major broadcaster like Star Sports has been showing many games recently, the coverage still can be improved. Hiring a panel of experts to dissect performances and pick out promising players, creating riveting content around the tournaments on different platforms, marketing it better are some of the things the BCCI should consider for the long-term stability of the backbone of Indian cricket.

#3 More accountability from BCCI

2014 has not been a good year for cricket administrators in India. With charges of corruption, nepotism and match-fixing plaguing the most powerful cricket body in the world, the board has had a tough time dealing with the media and fans.

2015 should be the year the BCCI decides to clean up its act and stop its petty power games. As die-hard fans, we deserve more answers and accountability from the governing body. We are the ones who support the team, queue up outside stadiums and pay for tickets with our hard-earned money. It is our right to know why things are being run the way they are, and on what basis certain decisions are being made.

Hopefully, this year, the focus will only be on the sport, and not the ugly politics. One can wish, can’t one?

#4 Better scheduling

No more last-minute tours versus Sri Lanka, no more one-off T20 games, no more planning back-to-back tournaments.

The BCCI needs to realise that the players are human and need much-deserved breaks. Considering this is the World Cup year, all other tournaments should be scheduled with some more foresight. One of the major reasons the team had such a tough time in 2014 was due to the relentless pressure of playing continuously throughout the year.

The last thing we need is our star players getting injured due to fatigue and wear-and-tear. BCCI should understand that players are not cash cows that you milk till they are incapable of giving anymore. They are human beings that need time to recover, both physically and mentally.

#5 Embrace DRS

Enough is enough! Whatever the BCCI’s reasons to oppose DRS are, they seem invalid and pointless after seeing some terrible decisions throughout the year.

While the technology may have its flaws, it’s clear that it will at least eliminate howlers made by umpires on a regular basis. Matches are won and lost on the basis of poor decisions, and we need to make sure that doesn’t happen. Administrators, are you listening?

#6 Win the World Cup (obviously)

I know, I know. Who doesn’t want to win the World Cup? But more than just wishful thinking, India could actually have an outside chance this year.

While their Test performances have been dreadful, the team has proved its prowess in ODIs over and over again in the last couple of years. Considering this is Dhoni’s last World Cup as captain (and player), and the fact that we are defending champions, and that our bowlers can actually do a decent job in ODIs, India do carry momentum as they enter the tournament.

The Australian tour will no doubt prove to be invaluable experience just before the tournament begins. Come on, boys, show us what you’re made of!

What other things do you wish for this year? Share in the comments section below!