Packed up and gone

Kerry Packer is dead. The first man to market cricket as entertainment. Yes, he made millions, no - billions, doing it, but it was never meant to be philanthrophy and the players made money too.

The ICCs poor attempt at a Super Series shows how little they've learnt from him. The late 70's saw Viv Richards and the like take on even his teammates. Wouldn't you like to watch Ricky Ponting taking on Warne at the SCG?

There are several reasons the Packer Series concept will not work ever again:

1. Too much cricket on almost every team's calendar.
2. Players making enough money to live well. One of the big draws of the Packer Series was the compensation.
3. (Possibly as a result of the 1st two reasons) Players don't find any motivation to play responsibly and well for any team but their National team. The Africa - Asia Tsunami relief matches and the ICC Super Series saw this amply displayed.
4. With so little domestic cricket being played by international players, county cricket is a better alternative with lesser opponents and an opportunity to regain/stay in form.

It's the end of an era, nonetheless and I don't think cricket will ever see someone like him again.

This is my first blog by email...so if it's all mucked up formatting wise - kindly adjust.