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GOAL sat down with the Portuguese star to discuss a variety of topics as he returns to Orlando this weekend.

Even after all he's been through, all the success and trophies, Nani is still feeling a little bit star struck. A cornerstone of a Manchester United dynasty with Champions League, Premier League and European Championship trophies to his name, there are still moments that make him feel like a kid falling in love with the game for the first time.

This weekend is one of those moments. The Portuguese star is back in Orlando at his old stadium for the second iteration of the Beautiful Game, a superstar clash of legends and current stars. This year's game will, of course, include Nani, who will play alongside legends like Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, Cafu and Rivaldo, as well as Vinicius Jr, Joao Felix, Eder Militao, Willian and Lucas Moura.

It's a who's who of superstars, with Nani having earned his place among them. Still, there's one player that the former Manchester United winger is most looking forward to playing with most, one that has inspired him throughout his career. That man, alongside Roberto Carlos, will be hosting the event and whose name will be on the marquee: the legendary Ronaldinho.

Ahead of the match, GOAL caught up with Nani to discuss how Ronaldinho inspired him, the upcoming Beautiful Game, his expectations for Lionel Messi in MLS and what's next in his career after becoming a free agent.

The Beautiful GameInspired by Ronaldinho's magic

Nani remembers his clashes with Ronaldinho. He quickly points to the 2009-10 Champions League round of 16, when his Manchester United team got the better of the Brazilian's AC Milan. At the time, Nani was a 24-year-old rising star, already with a Champions League under his belt, but Ronaldinho's legendary status had already been cemented for some time.

All these years later, the Portuguese star admits that he always looked up to the Brazilian icon, and for good reason. Nani was always known for his dribbling and skill on the ball, with those attributes taking him right to the top of the sport. For a player with that skillset, is there a better role model than Ronaldinho?

This match, this Beautiful Game in Orlando, now gives Nani another chance to share the pitch with his idol once again. He played against him in last year's edition, a 12-10 win for Team Roberto Carlos, and he believes that Ronaldinho, even at age 43, is still a player with magic in his feet.

"A player I loved a lot during my youth and followed a lot when he was in his prime was Ronaldinho," Nani told GOAL. "I've always said that. Obviously now, playing with him at a time when he's not a professional anymore, he's retired already, but he still has the talent and the skills. It's always amazing to be there around a player that you used to appreciate a lot.

"The way he used to play, the way he made magic on the field, I copied him so many times and tried to learn from him. At this point, it's nice to have the opportunity to be next to him, talk a little bit, see the human side."

That's one of the most exciting parts of this game for Nani: the chance to share not just a game, but a weekend, with some of the sport's greats. It's an opportunity to take a step back from the battles that he's had with a few of them in the past and to, instead, kick the ball around with some heroes.

The game isn't about wins or losses, and everyone on the field knows that. All involved will instead play a bit more like Ronaldinho, with big smiles on their faces and a bit of confidence in their feet.

"This is a different type of game," Nani says. "It's not a game where there's pressure or where a player has to concentrate or do the maximum on the field. It's a game to enjoy, a game to make people excited with skills and having fun. It's a lot of smiles and a lot of good energy.

"The most important thing is to share the pitch with some people you used to follow in your youth. For me, it's good to be next to Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos. Even the young players coming up right now, there will be some players there as well like Joao Felix and Vinicius, players who are shining in this moment. It's nice to share the pitch with them, have fun and try and show some skills on the field."

AdvertisementMark ThorA return to the Lions' den

The Beautiful Game doesn't just give Nani the chance to play alongside his heroes. It also gives him the opportunity to return to Orlando and play in front of a fanbase that remains close to his heart.

Nani joined Orlando City in 2019, assuming the role of the face of the franchise following the departure of Kaka. He scored 31 goals in 88 games during his three-year stay in MLS, earning two All-Star selections during his time in the U.S.

He left the club after the 2021 season, playing six months for Serie A side Venezia before spending the 2022-23 season in Australia with Melbourne Victory. Now, two-and-a-half years after leaving Florida, it's safe to say he's glad to be back.

"It will be a special day for me to come back to Exploria Stadium, a stadium where I had so many beautiful moments in front of fantastic fans that supported me a lot when I was here," Nani said. "I'm looking forward to that moment. It means a lot to me."

He continued: "I was always trying to follow [Orlando City]. Obviously, I followed a couple of games. I saw Orlando's draw against Philadelphia, which is always a tough game. I do my best to try and follow the games, but I was so far [away in Australia] and the time difference makes a lot of difference and sometimes the games weren't on the TV, but I try to follow.

"MLS has been improving a lot with a lot of new players coming in the next few months."

Twitter'Messi will enjoy MLS a lot'

While Nani still has a special place in his heart for Orlando City, it's the Lions' rivals, Inter Miami, that have pulled off the signing of the century: Lionel Messi.

The Argentine is set to arrive in MLS this summer, becoming the biggest name yet to move to MLS. The league has had countless superstars, like David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thierry Henry, to name a few, but none are at the level of Messi, whose arrival promises to change the game in the U.S. forever.

It won't be easy, though, as many of the above names can attest to. MLS is far from an easy league, even for those that have dominated in Europe. It's fast-paced and physical, for sure, while players also have to adjust to the climate, travel and different types of turf.

Nani learned to adapt throughout his three-year stay, and he has no doubt Messi will, too, once he arrives in Miami.

"I think, for him, it will be a very good experience," Nani said. "You have to have the power to manage the small things that will make things difficult for him like turf and the long flights. He can manage that. He doesn't have to do it for all of the games. He'll enjoy it a lot.

"Playing in America was amazing for me and I think everyone likes the lifestyle here, and the momentum of the league is fantastic. For him and for the fans that follow MLS, it will be a very good time because he is a great player who can deliver fantastic football, and that's the most important thing."

Nani went on to reflect positively on his MLS experience as a whole, even if his own tenure was heavily impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Still, despite seeing most of the 2020 season derailed by Covid, he says the experience, as a whole, was fantastic and he found lifelong friends in Orlando.

"I enjoyed my time in MLS. Those three years were amazing," he said. "We had some bad moments where we had to manage Covid, but that was part of the good moments. Sometimes in life, you can't have everything perfect, and we all managed to learn from that. We did well, even when Covid appeared. We were able to train hard and continue to play the game. We found solutions and we were determined here in Orlando.

"What I can say is that my time in Orlando was fantastic, was perfect. I had a great time here, made a lot of friends. I enjoyed playing in MLS, so any player who has the opportunity to come here, they'll enjoy it as well."

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Getty ImagesWhat's next?

As he prepares to take the field for the Beautiful Game, Nani says he is in great physical condition, despite a season-ending injury during his time in Melbourne.

The winger ruptured his ACL in January, ending his season prematurely after just 11 total appearances for the A-League side. He recently returned to the field at his former home, Old Trafford, coming off the bench for the World XI side in a 4-2 win over England in this year's Soccer Aid match.

With that experience under his belt, he says he feels good to go for the Beautiful Game and he hopes to put on a show.

"I feel good. I've been training, been preparing myself to be at my best," he said. "I had the game a couple of weeks ago, Soccer Aid, and I felt great. I'm excited for the moment to participate in this game because we are players and we want to play the game and do what we love to do: touch the ball, try some skills, score some goals and enjoy, because it will be an evening to make people happy and that's the most important thing."

As for what's next, Nani is keeping his options open. His contract with Melbourne Victory expired in May, making him a free agent. He says his plan is to keep playing for as long as he can and he believes that he still has what it takes to truly contribute to a team, even at 36 years old.

"For the moment, I feel like I'm just thinking about the game and playing until I understand that I have to decide and change my job," he said. "At this moment, I feel very good. I'm in condition to play and I can deliver a bit of quality as usual."

He'll get that chance on Saturday in Orlando as he joins some of his heroes in front of a crowd that has idolized him. After that, who knows?

"Until I feel I can't, I'll continue to play," he said. "As I've said, we all love this game, and we have to do what we love."

Weston McKennie and Tim Weah may be heading back to square one at Juventus, with Massimiliano Allegri reportedly ready to quit his post.

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Allegri prepared to end Bianconeri contract earlyCould walk away in the summer of 2024American stars would need to prove themselves againWHAT HAPPENED?

According to , Allegri is mulling over an early end to his contract in Turin. His current deal is due to run through to the summer of 2025, but said agreement could be brought to a close in 2024 if the 56-year-old opts to walk away.

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Allegri is said to have attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, with teams in the Middle East ready to “cover him in gold”, while a well-earned break could also be taken in if the Serie A title-winning coach decides to wait on another challenge in Europe.

DID YOU KNOW?

Allegri is said to be growing disillusioned with life at Juve following the departure of former chairman Andre Agnelli – the man who re-hired him in 2021. He reportedly feels that the club are heading in a different direction to the one that he would favour, leading to questions being asked of his future.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Any departure for Allegri could hit USMNT stars McKennie and Weah hard. The former has worked his way back into favour this season – seeing a new contract mooted along the way – but his situation could change were a new boss to be brought in. Weah was snapped up in the summer transfer window by Allegri and the versatile United States international is another that may have to prove himself all over again in 2024-25.

The one-day series between England and India began with an abandonment on a dank Bank Holiday in Bristol, as persistent rainfall prevented any possibility of the players taking to the field

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Aug-2014
ScorecardThe covers were firmly on in Bristol•Getty ImagesThe one-day series between England and India began with an abandonment on a dank Bank Holiday in Bristol, as persistent rainfall prevented any possibility of the players taking to the field.Rain had begun to fall the previous evening and continued through the night, with the pitch under covers ahead of the scheduled 10.30am start. Although it eased off for periods and the possibility remained for a 20-over game to begin as late as 3.45pm, another heavy shower spurred the umpires to call things off at around 1.30pm.It meant that for the third year running, the first ODI of the latter part of the English summer was washed out, after series against South Africa and Australia began in similar fashion in Cardiff in 2012 and at Headingley last year. There was also disappointment for Gloucestershire, with Bristol set to host its first ODI since 2010.The teams will move on to Cardiff for the second of five matches, taking place on Wednesday, with Alex Hales still awaiting his 50-over debut for England. Having lost the Test series 3-1, India will be hoping the change in format brings with it a change in fortune.

Australia’s captain Steven Smith admits he did not see Mitchell Starc’s send-off to the Indian opener M Vijay in the first over of the visitors’ innings on day two of the Sydney Test, but agrees the practice should be ended

Daniel Brettig at SCG07-Jan-20154:15

‘Vijay will be kicking himself’

Australia’s captain Steven Smith admits he did not see Mitchell Starc’s send-off to the Indian opener M Vijay in the first over of the visitors’ innings on day two of the Sydney Test, but agrees the practice should be ended.Both David Warner and Virat Kohli had stated before this match that the concept of celebrating or gesturing in the face of a departing batsman was an ugly part of the game and should be stopped, following on from the angry scenes in Adelaide that followed one such episode between Warner and Varun Aaron.However, Starc has fought his own battles lately, facing criticism from Shane Warne for perceived poor body language during the Brisbane Test. When he coaxed an edge from Vijay in a first over that was fast and fiery, Starc vented his frustration by screaming provocatively in the face of the dismissed batsman.Smith was celebrating with the catch-taker, his vice-captain Brad Haddin, at the moment Starc aired his emotions, and was not informed about it by either of the standing umpires, but said the concept in general needed to end.”The umpires never said anything so I don’t see any issue there at this stage,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a good part of the game to send batters off. I didn’t see what Starcy did to be honest, I was busy celebrating myself. I think it’s not a part of the game that needs to go ahead, I’m sure our players will stay pretty calm when we get wickets from now on.”Starc, Ryan Harris and Josh Hazlewood had all been in contention to take the new ball ahead of the match, following Mitchell Johnson’s withdrawal due to a sore hamstring. Smith eventually settled on Starc to open up from the Paddington End, and his speed, hint of swing and disciplined line were all features of a striking display.”I think that’s the way Mitchell bowls his best,” Smith said. “The way he bowled in the Big Bash, his short spells and bowling up around 150kph it’s never comfortable to face. For him it’s about bowling short spells and hopefully he can come back and keep doing it in his other spells. We’re looking for that aggression again from him tomorrow.”Among other topics Smith made it clear that he was merely keeping the Test match captaincy seat warm for Michael Clarke. He was also unwilling to criticise Clarke’s choice to commentate on the team as he recovers from related back and hamstring ailments in time for the World Cup campaign.”Whatever he wants to do with his time while he is out injured is up to him,” Smith said. “With him not being in the team he hasn’t really been around us, he has left it up to me and I have really enjoyed the responsibility of taking control of the team in his absence, it is nice to have some success at the same time and hopefully we can close out this Test match in a good fashion.”

With more clubs than ever now capable of shattering transfer records, there is destined to be a spate of eye-watering deals over the next 12 months

Neymar's €222 million (£198m/$247m) move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 has been widely regarded as the point of no return for football transfers. Since then, the fees exchanged between top European sides have risen to previously unimaginable levels, with 14 other players switching clubs for a fee over €100m since.

Will the bubble burst any time soon? It doesn't seem likely, particularly as the Saudi Pro League has now emerged as a genuine payer in the transfer market. Even the conventional wisdoms about which positions are most expensive no longer hold true. In the past, it was strikers and occasionally playmakers who fetched the big bucks. However, three of the players who've broken the €100m mark in recent times (Declan Rice, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo) are primarily deep-lying midfielders.

Will this trend continue? Or will attacking players return to their place at the top of the transfer tree? Below, GOAL predicts who's in contention to become the next €100m+ player in 2024…

GettyEvan Ferguson (Brighton)

Ferguson is already showing signs that he could turn out to be one of the greatest Irish footballers of all time. It's a bold claim, but at 19 years old he's already starting – and scoring – regularly in the Premier League.

Strikers as well rounded as him tend to cost a pretty penny too, with Brighton reportedly valuing him at around €137m (£120m/$147m). He's recently signed a new, long-term deal at the Amex Stadium and is said to be in favour of staying on the south coast to aid his development.

Carry on improving on his current trajectory, however, and he'll surely move on to a bigger club, with Manchester City apparently earmarking him as a long-term Erling Haaland replacement. When he does leave the Seagulls, expect him to easily fetch over €100m.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesFlorian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

After an ACL injury threatened to stunt Wirtz's development, the German wonderkid has played the best football of his career under Xabi Alonso for free-flowing Bayer Leverkusen this season. The outrageously-creative attacking midfielder has registered a glut of goals and assists playing behind Victor Boniface and is being linked with a host of top European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Contracted at the BayArena until 2027, it will take a monster bid to prise him away from the Bundesliga upstarts, but he might just be worth the financial risk. Players as inventive as Wirtz do not come around often. Let's just hope his career does not go the same way as Kai Havertz when he does depart Leverkusen…

Getty ImagesMohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Thirty-one-year-olds rarely command €100m+ transfer fees, but the Saudi Pro League's rise over the past few months has changed everything. After tempting the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Neymar to the Middle East, Salah is the next high-profile name on the SPL's wishlist. Several massive offers were submitted in the summer, and reports suggest that this interest will be renewed in January.

Liverpool are likely resigned to losing their talisman for free in summer 2025 anyway, so they might be tempted to sell while his value is as high as it's ever been and reinvest in the squad.

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GettyVictor Osimhen (Napoli)

In typically Neapolitan fashion, things have unravelled quickly since Osimhen and Co led Gli Azzurri to a shock Scudetto last season. After successfully batting away offers for the free-scoring Nigerian in the summer, the club managed to inflame tensions with a series of ill-advised social media posts. This was followed by two confusing club statements which seemed to suggest the the striker had changed his mind over signing a new contract.

Amid all of this off-field turmoil, Osimhen has continued to score at a impressive rate, and the 24-year-old remains one of the alluring centre-forwards on the market. Even without the new deal, Osimhen cannot leave for free until 2025, and a string of clubs are likely to test Napoli's resolve over the next few transfer windows.

Legendary Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been named as the manager of Serie B side Como.

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Fabregas becomes new Como coachClub parted ways with Moreno LongoFabregas retired from football in 2023(C)GettyImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea star has been appointed as the interim manager of Serie B club Como after they parted ways with Moreno Longo on Monday. Fabregas, who was managing the club's B and youth teams, has been promoted as the interim head coach until the club finds a suitable replacement for Longo.

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The former Spanish international announced his retirement from football in the summer. He last plied his trade with Como in the 2022/23 season where he played a crucial role in the club finishing 13th in Serie B. Upon retirement, the 36-year-old took up coaching duties at the Italian side.

WHAT DID COMO SAY?

The club confirmed Fabregas' appointment via an official statement on Monday, which read, "The paths separated between Como 1907 and Moreno Longo. The search for a new coach begins immediately, with Cesc Fàbregas and the coaching staff taking on the duties on an interim basis. After several months of strategic planning, the Como 1907 board decided that dynamic change was in the club's best interest. Longo joined Como in September 2022 and helped the team avoid relegation, finishing in 13th place last season. Cesc Fàbregas, who currently coaches the Primavera del Como 1907, will have his first training session on Wednesday morning."

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WHAT NEXT?

The Spaniard's first game in charge of I Lariani will be against FeralpiSalo on November 25 in Serie B.

Harry Maguire has suggested that he could leave Manchester United in January, with the out-of-favour defender not prepared to “play once a month”.

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Defender has slipped down the pecking orderStripped of captaincy at Old TraffordMay have to seek a move elsewhere in 2024WHAT HAPPENED?

The England international centre-half has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford, with the club captaincy being taken off him in the process. Maguire has taken in just 116 minutes of Premier League football this season, with Erik ten Hag not convinced by what the 30-year-old has to offer.

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Maguire saw a transfer speculated on over the summer and admits that he may have to seek a move in the next window. He has said while away on England duty: “I am not going to sit here all my life and play once a month and if it carries on, I am sure myself and the club will sit down and have a chat. I want to play minutes, I want to play football.”

WHAT THEY SAID

While being overlooked by Ten Hag on a regular basis, Maguire claims his record under the Dutch coach is deserving of more opportunities. He added: “If you look back on my last 15-20 starts for club and country, I would be happy to sit here and say I’m really happy with my performances. My record under this manager (Ten Hag) speaks for itself. I haven’t started as many games as I would like but my win percentage when I’ve played is ridiculously high. Of course there are times when I could do more and times when I could improve and help the team. I can only do what I’ve been doing when I’ve come into the team … bringing positive performances. But I’m just wanting to help the team, I’m wanting to help the team get out of this position we’re in at the moment.”

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GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

United have made an inconsistent start to the 2023-24 campaign as a collective, with a 12-point haul from eight games leaving them 10th in the Premier League table. The Red Devils have also suffered back-to-back defeats against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Jude Bellingham cannot even take his mum shopping in Madrid city centre without being mobbed by fans clamouring for a picture with the midfielder.

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Bellingham mobbed in Madrid city centreStar midfielder was out with his mumOff to incredible start at Real MadridWHAT HAPPENED?

Bellingham has been the talk of the town in La Liga due to his stunning performances since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. The England international was out with his mum on Monday but was swarmed by fans as he posed for selfies with a few.

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The 20-year-old has rocketed to stardom in Spain. He is La Liga's top scorer with 13 goals from 15 matches and has chipped in with two assists, too. He has also found the net four times in the Champions League, adding three assists in the process.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BELLGINHAM?

The ex-Birmingham star will hope to add even more goals to his record when his team take on Deportivo Alaves in their next La Liga game on December 21 – their last game of 2023. The Spanish giants will then kick off the new year with a home match against Mallorca on January 4.

Everything you need to know about Manchester United's Argentine centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

Lisandro Martinez is a young and talented football player from Argentina who has quickly established himself as a key player for both Ajax Amsterdam and the Argentina national team. Born on January 18, 1998, in Gualeguay, a small city in the province of Entre Rios, Martinez started playing football at a young age and quickly caught the attention of local scouts. He began his youth career at Club Atletico Gualeguay before moving to Club Atletico Newell's Old Boys in Rosario, Argentina.

At Newell's Old Boys, Martinez quickly made a name for himself as a versatile and technically gifted player. He made his professional debut for the team in 2017 and quickly established himself as a regular starter, impressing with his composure on the ball, his physicality, and his ability to read the game.

In July 2019, after just two seasons with Newell's Old Boys, Martinez was signed by Ajax Amsterdam. He quickly adapted to his new surroundings, impressing with his performances in pre-season and establishing himself as a regular starter in the team.

During his first season with Ajax, Martinez played an important role in the team's success, helping them to win the Eredivisie title and reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. He continued his strong performances in the 2020-21 season and helped Ajax to another league title. Martinez's performances were recognized with a call-up to the Argentina national team, where he made his debut in a friendly match against Chile in June 2021.

Martinez's time at Ajax attracted interest from other top clubs in Europe, and he reunited with Erik ten Hag, former Ajax manager, at Manchester United in the summer of 2022, for a reported transfer fee of between £47 million to £49 million, plus £8.5 million in add-ons. He has since won the Carabao Cup with the Red Devils.

Martinez is a talented and versatile football player who has quickly established himself as one of the most assured ball-playing central defenders in the world.

Here are 11 interesting facts about Martinez that you absolutely need to know.

Family matters

Martinez is a family man. He is very close with his parents, including his grandparents. Raul Martinez and Silvina Cabrera, his mother, have always supported him throughout his career. Martinez is closer to his mother, who has been present through all his career achievements. Furthermore, Martinez also has a little sister to whom he serves as godfather.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesNickname at Ajax

Man United’s centre-back inherited the nickname of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’ during his time at Ajax.

The Argentine centre-back revealed the reason behind his nickname. “I am called the Canisero – the Butcher of Amsterdam," he told NOS (via Mirror)

“We Argentines do everything with passion – and when I go out on the pitch I fight for every ball. In Argentina, not everyone is brought up with enough resources. Sometimes you can't even eat. As a child I suffered from hunger. When I step on the pitch I think back on the times I couldn't even buy shoes. This is why we are so combative. Argentinians kill to win. If I have to step over dead bodies I do it. I want to win every 50-50 situation because I know that I am fighting for food for every member of my family and for my friends."

“That is the feeling I have – and every Argentinian has. It is the kind of motivation I cannot explain.”

GettyPitbull in Argentina

Now, this is a name that Martinez has got behind. He is called a “pitbull” in his native country. Speaking about the nickname, Martinez said, “In Argentina, they called me The Pitbull. That covers my playing style better. I bite into my opponent.”

He can be seen snarling at opposition attackers and forces them into giving up possession as much as possible.

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Tough start at Ajax

The 25-year-old central defender established himself as one of the best players in the world but life at Ajax was not always what glitters for the Argentine.

According to a statement given in an interview with La Nacion (via SkySports), “In the first three weeks, I had a miserable time. It was totally different. At first, I wanted to go home and cry. I felt bad. I’m a player who likes to have the ball, but when they got me into one or two quick touches, they killed me. It was amazing how off pace I was to everything."

Disappointing levels of spectator “graduation” from T20 to international cricket are a major reason for CA’s decision to significantly cut prices for Test and limited-overs matches ahead of the next summer

Daniel Brettig27-Apr-2016A growing number of people sated by the Twenty20 entree have compelled Cricket Australia to go back to work on the main course. Disappointing levels of spectator “graduation” from T20 to international cricket were a major reason for CA’s decision to significantly cut prices for Test and limited-overs matches ahead of the next summer.A review of ticket pricing and availability was undertaken by CA’s commercial department after a series of disappointing international crowds at various points of the past two summers, a trend in direct contrast to the burgeoning attendances for the Big Bash League.Cricket Australia’s tickets review

Extensive consultation process internally

Comprehensive review of ticket prices from other sporting and major entertainment events

Market research involving surveying a representative sample of people across Australia to assess propensity to attend cricket at different price points

Referred to learnings from other cricket events, including the 2015 World Cup and BBL

Ever since the BBL was ushered into existence at the Australian Cricket Conference in 2010, CA and its chief executive James Sutherland have maintained that the tournament was designed to bring new fans to the game who would ultimately take on a love for Tests and ODIs.However, a call to cut prices significantly – each state will offer general admission tickets at a mere $30 for adults while also scaling back the cost of higher grade reserve seats – has been made out of concern that the BBL’s growth has not caused the sort of “trickle-up” effect CA had hoped for.This is largely because while BBL tickets have been kept affordable – general admission tickets around $20 for adults – despite their popularity, international pricing has reflected an era before the emergence of the T20 competition. This has resulted in vast swathes of empty seats at matches where spectators could be hard pressed to find anything for under $50. Sutherland said the BBL’s success had helped encourage a rethink.”Clearly the reason why we’re breaking records in terms of aggregate attendance is off the back of BBL growth in attendance,” Sutherland said when announcing the price changes. “More people attended the BBL last year than attended the World Cup. Over a million people came through the gates to attend BBL cricket.”International cricket is still really strongly supported. And part of our strategy has been for us to bring new people to the game, through BBL cricket and at the same time graduate their interest into international cricket. And part of our pricing review and our research has been with that in mind, to continue to graduate that interest … into the premium form, being international cricket.”I think we’ve learned a lot from the BBL and I think we’ve taken some of the best parts of that and incorporated that into the review. But it’s also a lot about positioning and ensuring that international cricket is the premium format and we continue to bring the best possible teams into the country to play the game, play international cricket over those three formats.”Since selling the BBL to free-to-air television where it has been a major success for Network Ten, CA has faced a balancing act between its two broadcasters. Nine has been synonymous with the game in Australia for nearly 40 years, and the need to build a more compelling international television spectacle has also played a part – it is felt that empty grounds discourage viewers from tuning in.”Certainly our focus is to get as many people into our grounds as possible – we make no bones about the fact that our desired state is full grounds,” Sutherland said. “We face challenges from time to time, certainly with Test cricket to get people into grounds when people have work commitments and kids are still at school but there’s lots of different ways in which we are trying to change that.”Obviously day-night Test cricket is one of the things but also this pricing strategy is taking a lot of those things into account as well. The backdrop for television is always something that looks better. From our perspective the whole thing is greater fan engagement.”Another factor in the pricing changes is the unknown about how much more the BBL can continue to grow. Recent downturns in T20 competitions in England and India’s IPL have suggested that the more youthful Australian tournament cannot be expected to keep building at its current rate.”We don’t see ourselves as a competitor with IPL. We’ve been very, very focussed with BBL as something which is tailored to the Australian market,” Sutherland said. “Coming off the trajectory we’ve had, it’s going to be always challenging to maintain that growth. To some extent it will be cyclical.”But at the same time we lift our sights high in terms of our aspirations with BBL and see no reason why we can’t continue. We’ll continue to develop our event presentation to ensure those who pay good money to come and watch the cricket are entertained, not just when the cricket is being played but in other aspects of what’s offered at venues.”