The PL Syndrome

[Nasif]

With all the "PL"s going on, is there a chance that cricket will be same in next 10/15 years? Now we have IPL, BPL, SLPL, and few other T20 leagues going on throughout the year. I am sure the numbers will increase over time. Popularity of T20 leagues are undeniable.

If all test playing countries have at least 1 league, then that's 10; but lets say everyone isn't capable of running a league and assume a small number, say we end up with 6. That's 6 months out of the year, when players would be engaged in some sort of PLs.

If you take current approach, i.e. national game is more important than PLs, then boards would have to continue with their FTP with restricting national team players from participating in any PLs. Players who don't get selected in the national team might actually get to make more money by getting a call up to one of the running PLs.

Like everything, in time, money will win out. Players would want to participate in PLs rather than go for month long tours with less financial incentives. Yes, national pride has some opportunity cost, but that steam will run out competing against $$$ in PLs.

So, whats the future? Will ODI & Test cricket die out (at least current FTP)? Teams would probably end up with less tours and more participation in PLs. What would make FTP viable, more money?