'This is a World Cup, do you need this kind of entertainment?': Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri question laser show in drinks break

Did you see that laser show during the drinks break at the T20 World Cup? Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri certainly did, and let's just say they weren't exactly reaching for the popcorn. "This is a World Cup, do you need this kind of entertainment?" Gavaskar asked, and you could hear the old-school purist in his voice. Shastri, never one to mince words, echoed the sentiment.

The incident happened during a crucial moment in the India versus Pakistan match. Tension was already sky-high, the game hanging in the balance, and then, boom – blinding lights and pulsating music. It was… jarring, to say the least. Some fans loved it, judging by the social media chatter. Others, like Gavaskar and Shastri, felt it was completely out of place, a distraction from the serious business of world-class cricket.

Here's the thing: cricket has always walked a tightrope between tradition and innovation. We've seen it with coloured clothing, with T20 itself, and now with mid-innings laser extravaganzas. The question is, where do you draw the line? Is it about enhancing the fan experience, or is it about respecting the integrity of the game?

My take? I'm with Sunny and Ravi on this one. Look, I love a good show as much as the next person. But the T20 World Cup? This isn't a Bollywood awards night. This is about high-stakes cricket, about pressure, about skill, about the battle between bat and ball. Adding a sensory overload in the middle of it all feels… wrong. It disrupts the flow, it can potentially distract the players (though I doubt the likes of Kohli are losing sleep), and frankly, it just feels a bit… unnecessary.

What's fascinating is that this debate highlights the changing face of cricket fandom. There's a new generation of fans who've grown up on instant gratification, on constant entertainment. And then there are the traditionalists, who cherish the nuances, the strategy, the ebb and flow of the game. Catering to both is a challenge, and the ICC needs to be careful not to alienate either group.

The numbers tell a story, too. Viewer fatigue is a real thing. Are these flashy distractions genuinely boosting viewership, or are they just adding to the noise? Are we in danger of turning cricket into just another form of disposable entertainment? These are important questions that the ICC needs to address as we look ahead to future tournaments, including the next IPL season. The focus should always be on the cricket, on the players, on the contest.

Looking ahead, I wouldn't be surprised if the ICC reconsiders these mid-innings shows. The backlash from respected voices like Gavaskar and Shastri carries weight. Maybe a toned-down approach is needed, something that enhances the experience without overwhelming it. Or maybe, just maybe, we should let the cricket speak for itself. After all, isn't that what we're all here for? Let's see how this plays out in the remaining matches of the T20 World Cup. It's going to be interesting, to say the least.