CRICKET players from Orange and Molong have weighed in on the much talked about decision by the Orange District Cricket Association to develop a Twenty20 competition similar to the IPL for the 2008-09 season.

Orange Premier League, as it’s being referred to for the moment, will encompass four teams with players from Orange, Bathurst, Lithgow and Molong all eligible to nominate for the competition.

But while players are excited at the prospect of trying something new, many are concerned a Twenty20 format would result in a less skillful competition.

“I’m not a big fan of Twenty20,” Waratahs veteran Steve Priest said.

“I much prefer the high level cricket you see in the test matches. Skill-wise I don’t think it’s as good.”

Despite his apparent dislike for the format, Priest admits introducing the fast-paced version of the game is probably a good idea.

“I think it creates support for the game and generates some more interest. I’m for it, but I think club support will be important.”

Players are also concerned that rival cricketers might not be able to get along with one another if they’re entered into the same OPL team.

But Cavaliers’ Chris Martin believes player rivalries would be put aside for the competition.

“It might be an issue but I think when you hang around those players you see a different side of them. It’d probably be really beneficial in the end,” he said.

Martin said a Twenty20 comp was long overdue and applauded the ODCA for taking advantage of the IPL’s popularity.

Others, like Molong’s Kevin Beatty, said they much preferred one and two dayers to the “spectator sport” of Twenty20.

But Orange CYMS captain Jake Sands has another idea altogether.

Sands said the 40-over day/night Royal Hotel Cup should remain but suggested bringing back the Bonnor Cup as a stand alone Twenty20 competition formed by teams from Bathurst and Orange.