League cricket
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jjelricksmith

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League cricket
« on: August 12, 2022, 11:01:12 AM »
Hey everyone,

I'm just looking for a bit of advice really. Has anyone given up league cricket at a young age? Especially in the last couple of seasons I've enjoyed playing sunday and friendly declaration cricket way way more than league cricket. I'm only 23, playing a relatively high level of league cricket and doing moderately well at it, 20-30 league wickets and 4-500 runs a year however the last 2/3 years I've lost all interest in whether the team wins or loses and just more that we as a team are having a fun day out.

This has kind of got me thinking whether I should just sack off league cricket as a whole in the next couple of years and just play friendly stuff, on the one side I see it as a bit of a waste as I don't know how far I could go with league cricket. But paying £10 a week + subs for league cricket I'm not enjoying doesn't seem like the best use of time when I could be doing other things. Any and all feedback welcome!
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ProCricketer1982

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2022, 12:20:16 PM »
Are you going to be a professional cricketer??

Answer Yes - Take it seriously
Answer No - play what is fun to you

People do get hung up on League stuff, levels etc... At the end of the day, it's a hobby and as you say, you're spending a lot of time, effort and money on something that just has to be worth the investment to you. Whether that be saying you play at x level or just going out there with mates, having a laugh irrespective to what happens and week in week out getting a game (aka value) of your cash/time.

Personally - I'm not as young but also suspect even at 23 you've probably played more since a junior than I have but I'm also mulling over sacking off Saturday league cricket due to many many factors.
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Alvaro

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2022, 02:01:52 PM »
£10 is still a cheap day out :)

I have never been super talented, but have played some league cricket of a fair standard. I didn't get on with the semiprofessionalisation of my weekend, especially when people equate that with win at all costs and unnecessary personal abuse. So, I made a decision to still play lower down the pyramid, where is was a challenge against good players, but also players I would enjoy having a beer with after the game.

Basically, there are many types of league cricket - as longs its a challenge it can still be more towards the social too. 
« Last Edit: August 12, 2022, 02:06:32 PM by Alvaro »
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Bats_Entertainment

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2022, 02:14:23 PM »
Quote from: Alvaro on August 12, 2022, 02:01:52 PM
£10 is still a cheap day out :)


Not if you don't enjoy it.

The quasi-professionalisation of recreational cricket is sad.
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Jimbo

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2022, 02:29:07 PM »
Comes hand in hand with people treating cricket clubs as a service they pay for rather than something they are part of.

I think there is still much to be enjoyed about league cricket, as others have said a drop in standard is not the worst thing for your enjoyment.
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kenbriooo

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2022, 03:51:22 PM »
I played all through my kids being babies, bit now at 10 and 7 I dont feel the urge to play as much as I once did. Just under 40 and I'm considering becoming a league umpire and trying that out. Would be be interested in knowing how high I could make it as my cricket abilities are modest at best
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Buzz

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #6 on: August 12, 2022, 04:12:56 PM »
Cricket is meant to be fun.
There are lots of different opportunities to play, whether that is joining a touring team like the XL Club or playing village Sunday cricket or playing Premier league cricket (if your ability allows).

Ultimately it is your time and your money, play with your mates, play the cricket you enjoy the most. Play at grounds you like playing at.

There are lots of clubs looking for players. Do your thing.
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SLA

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2022, 11:44:22 AM »
I do enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere of friendly games and dislike people who take league cricket too seriously.

However, by far the most memorable seasons are the ones where a group of mates coalesces and decide to really have a good go at winning the league and then gives it a really good go. Definitely an added edge of excitement to the matches, people stay longer for beers after the games, etc etc.
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joeljonno

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2022, 01:12:49 PM »
There is no easy or straight forward answer to this.  I played to mid-thirties, but retired recently as the expectation is too high and the days too long.

I have had friends who stopped playing after school/university.  Some slowly migrated back to the game and others just disappeared.  I guess it is how you want o find the enjoyment of the game, as a year or two out could be the change that you need.  Maybe even a change in club or league could renew your interest, but at the end of the day, it's your call.

There is no shame and at in not playing, and you can always re-start if you are really missing it.  It could be that a few months off ignites the passion again, only you can find this out.
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Thamesvalley

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2022, 01:40:49 PM »
Dislike is a bit harsh just because they take it seriously

Unless they are abusing their own team mates or the oppo which is not on

Taking it seriously also means pride in performance to be a top performer
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dantsw13

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #10 on: December 12, 2022, 03:18:53 PM »
I play lower league cricket, in a village club with 3 Saturday league teams - starting a 4th next year to bring through more youngsters and some of our new ladies section.

I coach the kids at my club, and a lot of our opponents tend to be coaches and their colts, who I’ve known through the age groups. We all tend to have a similar outlook. Play to win, but enjoy it & have a beer after whatever the outcome.

At my club, all teams come back to the pavilion for a beer after, with good friendships and interest across all the teams.
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roco

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #11 on: December 13, 2022, 12:16:46 PM »
I am in similar boat where not enjoyed it last couple of seasons so not putting effort in and it shows in my performances but stayed on as others wanted me too

Took on ground and pitch duty last year and enjoyed that more than playing so in a quandary to just play odd game but do more ground work as the fun definitely went last year as as others have said needs to be fun to give up a full day
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Neon Cricket

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #12 on: December 13, 2022, 12:42:27 PM »
Although I skipper a side in what is now a reasonably high standard, Wilts Div 1 so 4th tier for the South West, I'm a huge advocate of playing the sport because you enjoy it, not for any other reason.

Cricket takes up an awful lot of time, so if you're not enjoying your time doing it then absolutely find the format that's best for you! I'm very lucky in that I get to spend my Saturdays with a very good bunch of people. Yes we've been successful over the years (4 promotions in 5 seasons!) but the enjoyment side has always been the priority. Not sure you'd catch too many other Div 2 sides sipping rum in the tea break when you're chasing a potential promotion... :D

I should also add, some of my favourite moments from recent memory have been playing what can only be described as the absolute pinnacle of village cricket on a Weds evening, so even some of us that take it 'seriously' on a Saturday still appreciate the sport in it's rawest form (we're talking 1 track, never prepped until an hour before the game, 6 and out with a 35 yard boundary, the whole shabang!!)

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Butterfingerzz

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #13 on: December 13, 2022, 01:06:32 PM »
I loved league Cricket and wish I was still able to play at a level I want to - the reason I retired at 48. If I could go back and do it all again...in a heart beat, you're a long time retired. However I get its different for everyone, I thrived under pressure in all disciplines however I've played with others who didn't.  My opinion is there are now many ways to enjoy your cricket as maybe there wasn't 30 years ago. Play where your happy, and enjoy it
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jonny77

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Re: League cricket
« Reply #14 on: December 13, 2022, 01:18:33 PM »
I finished playing for 12 years in my late 20's after playing a good standard of cricket since my teens. Mainly just because I stopped enjoying it and wasn't committing, but only due to personal enjoyment in general towards the game rather than it being competitive. I generally enjoy sport less if there's nothing on it in terms of competition.

I filled the following 12 years playing golf, but then returned to cricket a few years ago and now really regret that time out of the game. I play 2s at the same club as before, two divs down from the ECB Prem. So not a bad standard but not as good as previously, as I'm just not 1s standard anymore. However it's still competitive, so i enjoy it.

I suppose what I'm saying is think about what it is you don't enjoy anymore. Is it the competitiveness? Or the team? League? Or the commitment?  Some of these could be changed and you may start enjoying your league cricket again. If its other factors, you may need a break from it. Either way, I'd advise to try a few things before leaving the game too early. You may miss out on a lot in those years, which you can't get back.
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