The Standford Super Series- does anyone actually care

This week has seen the beginning of the Standford Super Series set up by Sir Allen Standford involving four sides Trinidad and Tobago, Middlesex the 20/20 cup winners, England and his own Superstar dream team. Lets start by saying these matches, especially the final match on Saturday between England and the Standford Superstars is a great opportunity for the players. Never before have they been fighting for a prize that is so huge in a sport which can pay so little.

Whether there is a need for all the money to flood into Cricket is debatable. We have all watched how football has deteriorated under the increased influx of money into the game. It certainly isn't the same as it was twenty years ago. Cricket unfortunately is heading a similar direction. Standford won't be the last to put money into the game but given the reaction he's had from the players and supporters alike others might be put off.

For the England players who have traveled out there is the last thing they want to be doing. After a long summer the players wanted some sort of break before they go to India in the winter. This publicity stunt has ruined there preparations for the tour, and instead of being fresh, something that is necessary in India they will be tired and weary.

Believe me the first hint we see of England struggling and this series will be called into question. And rightly it should be. To be honest its a shambles. The England players have been humiliated by Standford himself by posing with there wives during Monday night match with Middlesex, and looking rather hot under the collar it might be said. And now four of the squad have been taken ill leave the side with just eleven fit players, a wholly miserable week it has been. Captain Kevin Pietersen has called to get the week over a done with so they can get back home with there families, not the first sign that the players are unhappy about proceedings.

However will the £500,000 win bonus soften the blow, maybe just a little, will it help the game of Cricket most certainly not. Players are now being asked to choose between big pay outs in 20/20 Cricket, or a smaller pay out in test matches.

Now with families to support and lives to live, players who have been earning very little in comparison are made to choose, and in many of there positions they can't afford to say no.

The sanctity of Cricket is being pulled through the mud here and Standford has got the ball rolling in that respect. And for me it doesn't look like slowing down. The demand for 20/20 is there and due to the reception its got in England and now abroad businessmen will come in, throw large amounts of cash at the sport and watch in all unfold. I'll tell you now I won't be one of the onlookers.

Cricket has become fashionable again it seems, but for how long will the name of Cricket remain as we knew it just 4 years ago, oh how times have changed.