Gilbert: More floodlit games needed

Sussex have recorded small profits in the past two seasons after years of loss making.

"It is the future - without it we would be struggling," Gilbert added.

Given a guaranteed future for floodlit cricket more counties would follow Sussex by installing their own fixed lights.

But Warwickshire and Surrey have been denied local authority planning permission to erect permanent lights at Edgbaston and The Oval.

Lancashire, who have staged four floodlit games a season for the past three years, are chewing over plans to spend �750,000 on permanent lights.

"We couldn't afford it at the moment, but we can't keep hiring lights either," said Lancashire chief executive, Jim Cumbes, who is in favour of a new evening format.

"Evening cricket is the only growth area. It is an entertainment package rather than just going to watch a game."

Last month ago the Red Rose county attracted a crowd of 5,500 to Old Trafford for their bottom of Division Two clash against Derbyshire - far more than they they have entertained on Sundays during more successful seasons.

"Sixteen of our 20 hospitality boxes were used - we do virtually no weekend business," added Cumbes.

Lancashire have found it hard to pull the crowds

Only the cost of hiring lights at �25,000 a match - although this can be offset by one-off ECB grants of �15,000, and potential losses if evening games are wiped out because of bad weather, has held back the tide of floodlit cricket.

But a 20 over a side knockabout game is unlikely to appease purists who find 45 overs too short and are put off by the lights, coloured clothing and late night finishes of the floodlit game.

They argue it has led to the demise of weekend cricket, increased admission prices, meant that supporters cannot travel home easily after games (especially via public transport,).

Critics believe matches being won by the side batting first is a predictable outcome - chasing totals in the twilight often appears a no-no.

Cumbes, however, insists the evidence does not support such a view.

"It's a fallacy. The percentage of games won by sides batting first is the same as daylight games - 56 per cent. Two years ago we won seven of our eight floodlit games batting second.".

At Sussex, Gilbert believes only old style administrators and local authority planners will prevent the growth of floodlit cricket. He wants fans to face up to county cricket's financial realities.

"Membership income doesn't even provide 10 per cent of our turnover. These new exciting additions are popular and they pay for the rest of the game which is losing money.

"It is the only way forward."