The Back Pass

The Back Pass

A podcast for sports nerds, by sports nerds. Featuring football bantz, stories of cricketing agony and much much more!

  1. 08/22/2023

    What IF.... Pakistan won the 2007 T20 final

    In this exciting episode of "The Backpass Podcast," we explore an alternate cricketing universe where the 2007 T20 World Cup was won by Pakistan. Imagine a world where Misbah-ul-Haq doesn't mishit the ball in the final and it goes for six! The hosts dive into the possible outcomes and far-reaching consequences of this fictional victory, exploring how it could have shaped the legacies of some of the key players and impacted the world of cricket as a whole. Set the Scene: The thrilling finale where Misbah's final shot results in a six, altering the course of history for both India and Pakistan. Players and Their Legacies: RP Singh: How would his career trajectory have changed with a World Cup win? Sreesanth: What impact would this victory have on his controversial career? Ajit Agarkar: Would he have been remembered differently with a World Cup medal? Gautam Gambhir: A look at how this triumph would have affected his iconic innings in the final. MS Dhoni: The significance of winning a major trophy early in his captaincy. Impact on the IPL & ICL: The potential influence on the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Indian Cricket League (ICL) had India not won the T20 World Cup. Lalchand Rajput's impact on Afghan Cricket and their promotion to Full Membership of the ICC. Would we have gotten Rashid Khan? A discussion on whether Afghanistan's rise would have been the same without Lalchand Rajput's success. What would have happened to Geoff Lawson? The hosts speculate on how the coaching landscape might have changed with a different World Cup winner. Impact on T20 as a Sport: How the success of Pakistan in the inaugural T20 World Cup would have impacted the popularity and growth of T20 cricket globally. The potential consequences for Test cricket in a world where T20 success came earlier for Pakistan. Missing Out on Baz Ball: A look at how Brendon McCullum's iconic innings in the first IPL match might not have happened in this alternate reality. Join the hosts as they unravel the fascinating "what if" scenarios surrounding Pakistan's triumph in the 2007 T20 World Cup and explore the ripple effects it could have had on the world of cricket. It's time to reimagine history and dive into this captivating episode of "The Backpass Podcast."

    39 min
  2. 08/08/2023

    The Back Pass Explains: PART 2: The RISE of Franchise Cricket

    In this captivating episode of "The Backpass Explains," the hosts continue their exploration of cricket's transformation with a focus on the evolution of T20 cricket. They delve into the history, success factors, financial dynamics, and opinions surrounding this revolutionary format. The episode commences with a look back at the origins of T20 cricket. The hosts highlight the inklings of the T20 concept that emerged during the 1996 World Cup when Sri Lanka's openers attacked the opening bowlers in the initial 20 overs. The first official domestic T20 match took place on 13 June 2003, followed by the inaugural T20 International match on 5 August 2004 between the England and New Zealand women's teams. The hosts dissect the reasons behind T20's resounding success. They emphasize how T20 redefined competition by valuing contributions more than traditional talents, allowing players with explosive strike rates to shine even if their averages were lower. The infusion of money into cricket, particularly driven by the growth of the Indian middle class, is explored as a catalyst for T20's popularity. The hosts discuss the desire of cricket enthusiasts, particularly in India, to witness top players in action without delay, thanks to their increased spending power. The impact of T20 cricket on West Indian cricket and its role in shifting the balance of dominance away from established powers like Australia is examined. The hosts raise the question of whether international cricket should take a back seat in the face of T20's global appeal. They delve into the phenomenon of cricketing nations experiencing globalization, as Indian, Sri Lankan, and Pakistani expats contribute to the sport's growth in Western countries like Canada and the US. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the essence of franchise cricket. The hosts scrutinize the concept of franchise rivalries and tribalism, drawing parallels between the Big Bash League (BBL) and the Indian Premier League (IPL). While the BBL boasts more organic rivalries rooted in player transfers and city-based contests, the IPL's unique dynamics and the polarizing reputation of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are explored. Player movement takes the spotlight next, with discussions about high-profile transfers like Rohit Sharma's shift to Mumbai Indians. The hosts reflect on the importance of player development and homegrown talent, using the hypothetical scenario of a young talent like Jaiswal being acquired by another franchise, generating sentiments of disappointment and resentment among fans. Lastly, the episode concludes with an examination of the short-lived Champions League T20, its abandonment in 2014, and its potential revival as cricket's landscape continues to evolve. Join "The Backpass Explains" as they unravel the captivating journey of T20 cricket, from its modest beginnings to its seismic impact on the global cricketing landscape.

    42 min

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A podcast for sports nerds, by sports nerds. Featuring football bantz, stories of cricketing agony and much much more!