How did Kerry Packer change the nature of cricket?

Kerry Packer was an Australian television tycoon who realised the moneymaking potential of cricket as a televised sport. He signed up fifty-one of the world’s leading cricketers against the wishes of the national cricket boards. For about two years, he staged unofficial Tests and One-Day internationals under the name of World Series Cricket. During this time, he bought about some changes, which transformed the nature of the game. They were:

• He introduced coloured dress, protective helmets, field restrictions, cricket under lights and all of this became standard part of the game.

• His contribution helped to build up the image of cricket as a televised sport and marketable game that can generate revenue.

• His ideas of continuous television coverage of the game not only made cricketers as celebrities but also expanded the audience viewership.