Money has never been so important in dictating who wins in international cricket. The process by which talent is identified and then nurtured has become almost industrialised. This favours the wealthiest boards, who can fund the best scouting networks, academies and coaches, and the overseas tours that accelerate the development of those players. Twenty20 leagues have created an alternative marketplace for cricketers. Many can now earn more not playing for their countries, but the big three's affluence has insulated them from these forces. All the while, wealth has enabled the big three to assemble a pool of players across the three formats and, when it is prudent, to pay them enough not to take part in T20 leagues and protect them for international commitments.