New Zealand: Big drop in Shell Cup crowd support (20 January 1999)

20 January 1999

New Zealand: Big drop in Shell Cup crowd support

Geoff Longley

I haven't looked closely at the figures but it appears we are 40-50 per cent down ... - Tony Murdoch, Chief Executive, Canterbury Cricket

Staging a successful international cricket series in New Zealand has had an adverse effect on crowd support for the domestic Shell Cup competition.

Crowds for the domestic one-day game have been down all around New Zealand and no more so than in Canterbury, where the thousands which flocked to Jade Stadium in past seasons have been replaced by just hundreds to most matches this season.

The consequent flow-on financial implications for the six major associations which rely heavily on gate takings from the usually well-attended domestic 50-over championship are considerable.

Canterbury Cricket's chief executive Tony Murdoch said he hoped that with all the indications pointing to a great year financially for NZC, through the already successful Indian series and another drawcard South Africa still to come, that NZC would "look kindly" on them for a contribution towards costs.

"I haven't looked closely at the figures, but it appears we are 40 to 50 per cent down on previous figures. I'm sure the majors will get together in the next month or so and have a chat about it."

Murdoch said crowds had dipped somewhat last season, but he put that down to the problems experienced when the Canterbury-Northern Districts match was unable to be played because of the uncovered pitch fiasco and the bad publicity which followed.

This is the first time an international team has toured during December and January for any length of time leaving the provincial teams without their name players.

Canterbury is most affected with six players sidelined.

Murdoch said the situation mirrored what happened in England and Australia where the domestic game suffered when international series were being played.

"No matter how good the local competition is, it has an effect. But over all it serves cricket better to have the national team being successful."

Murdoch said the entertainment market was competitive and volatile, but he felt the situation could not have been forseen in advance.

Canterbury Cricket had embarked on an extensive advertising campaign promoting the cup season.

With NZC determined to repeat the exercise as often as possible the Shell Cup season, which has been stretched into February this season, could be elongated further, Murdoch believes.

"It would perhaps means some more games in the pre-Christmas period."

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)