Strategic Timeout in cricket was new, and it invited lots of discussions in 2009 IPL. People kept doubting and debating why do they need so much breaks and what difference can it make. 

Strategic Time out proved them wrong, by adding significance to the game of cricket. Let’s understand whether it is an add-on to the game of cricket or annoyance. 

Let’s also analyse Strategic Time out is required for ODI world cups or matches. 

Preface to Strategic Timeout

Strategic Timeout was first introduced in the inaugural edition of the IPL. 

• A television timeout of more than 4 minutes was conducted in the middle of an innings. 
• It also happened twice in one innings. 
• In addition to that, the innings break was also made longer. 

Viewers felt that it was unnecessary and disrupted the natural flow of the game, thus they did not react well to it.

Changes to the Strategic Time Out

Based on the reactions from the fans and players, the management decided to make alterations to the Strategic Timeout process. 

1. The first modification is to remove the longer break and make it to Strategic Timeouts. 
2. Each time out is just 2 minutes 30 seconds. 
3. The first opportunity will be presented to the team that is bowling, and they will have the option. 
4. After that, the team that is batting will get its turn between the 11th and 16th over.

Is Strategic Timeout required for ODI World Cups?

The straight forward answer is no. This is more appropriate for T20 or other shorter formats. 

• It will make the long format longer. 
• There may not be any need for over-wise strategy in a 50-over game, though it is a subjective call. 
• Fall of a wicket or two can affect a T20 game, but it is not the same for ODI matches. 
• Strategic Timeout in world cups may not be adding value, as it adds for T20 matches. 

T20 and Strategic timeout

The purpose of these breaks, which are referred to as “strategic timeout,” is to adjust the path of the game based on the current circumstances; yet, how much of a difference can even two and a half minutes’ worth of reflection make to the flow of the game?

Given that the outcome of a T20 game may alter with every single delivery, why aren’t these time-outs used in international T20 competitions?

Here are some of the pointers for debates and discussions. 

• It consumes one of the things that people place the most value on: their time.
• The Twenty20 format of cricket is designed to be a quick game. The teams sit behind the boundary so that the next batsman may come in more quickly, in 1 and a half minutes as opposed to the 3 minutes that are allocated for this in ODIs and Test matches. It is apt for the T20 format. 
• In Test cricket and ODI cricket, strategic timeout has no place. 

Significance Of Strategic timeout in Cricket

There are “strategic timeouts” in every IPL game so that teams may assess where they are in the match and adjust as needed. Also, it provides other benefits.

The financial gain for the event’s planners

Why are these timeouts only used in the IPL cricket tournament? These “ads breaks” constitute one of the most significant sources of revenue for the nation’s most lucrative sporting event, which is hosted yearly.

Beginning with the eighth season of the IPL, CEAT Tyres has agreed to a three-year sponsorship contract for the IPL’s strategic timeouts at a cost of around Rs 12–15 crore each year.

Game Aspect Of Strategic timeout

It is possible that opting for a mandatory timeout of 3.5–4 minutes after the 12th over rather than two timeouts of 150 seconds each would be the healthier alternative since it would assure a better flow of play throughout the game.

After only six overs, it can be hard to get a clear picture of how a team is doing, so this will give the coaches and captains of both teams a chance to compare notes. They will also have more time to convey their strategy to the team and strategize in accordance with it since they will have 4 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Strategic timeout is a modern concept that involves brief pauses in the action during a game that provide both sides the opportunity to reevaluate their strategies in light of the current situation of the game. They also provide broadcasters the opportunity to cram in more advertising, which helps increase the income they bring in.

So far, Strategies Timeout is not an annoyance to IPL matches, but if it is extended to other formats, like ODI World Cups, it will definitely not be an add-on. 

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