Interesting that when Ballarat clubs follow suit - sign up marquee players for Twenty 20 action - it ruffles a few feathers.

Cries from beyond the boundary are predominantly concerned that such high-quality imports are taking the spot of a promising club youngster in Ballarat Cricket Association's Twenty20 Cup.

The perception is home-bred rising stars are left running drinks rather than plying their trade and building their games.

But this is Twenty20 cricket.

Imports add to the whole hype that is this faster and flashier version of the game. No matter what level.

If a junior is really keen to learn and develop their game, than an import is like a Christmas bonus.

Ballarat's rising stars have the chance to watch high-quality players up close in how they prepare and play, regardless of whether you are playing alongside them or not.

Twenty20 cricket is developing into a specialised format and most Ballarat clubs will look to their best all-rounders rather than just experienced A-grade players for their Cup campaigns.

Young guns will get their chance if the captain and selectors deem they are good enough and suitable for the challenge.

Canvass the thoughts of a few cricketers and coaches though and the general consensus is that most youngsters would be better to focus on the game's longer formats first.

Like any sporting discipline or trade - it is vital to get the foundations and basics right before you start showing off.

And Twenty20 cricket is all about showing off.

The big, power hitting and the furious bowling - there is so much more art to this than merely belting the ball or steaming in to bowl like crazy.

Techniques, tactics and timing vary from the game's longer formats but must be right to produce an entertaining game.

Twenty20 cricket thrives on entertainment value.

Imports add to the excitement. They are all arriving from a higher level.

Half of the 12 competing clubs for this weekend's BCA Twenty20 Cup opening round have confirmed a high-quality import - a mix of Victorian premier cricketers and Victorian sub-district cricketers.

Some boast international experience -Wendouree's West Indian Lorenzo Ingram once represented Jamaica in a match against Australia and dismissed opener Simon Katich.

They may not be the headlines names that the average sports fan may know, but they are exposed to the best and they bring all that experience to Ballarat clubs.

A little like a school formal, each captain is keen to know who his rival club is bringing along.

There are the rumours, too.

Brown Hill skipper Shane Harwood has an impressive contact book as a former Australian fast bowler.

The Bulls' import - unconfirmed as yet - is the one their rivals are wanting to find out most.

Then again, most are relieved the Bulls have not named an invitee yet because Harwood, should he play, will alone be a formidable headache.

Talk on this alone has already generated excitement about the Cup.

Marquee players draw crowds.

Harwood, while signing as a regular player last season, injected broader interest back into the BCA last season and this was no more evident than his pulling power for crowds when his Bulls were up against the undefeated Mount Clear in the BCA club firsts final.

He lifted the standard of his teammates and challenged opposition all season dealing out lessons each round.

Brining in good quality players for the Twenty20 Cup can have a similar impact, even if only for a short period.

We can measure similar flow-on effects from imports in Ballarat basketball, soccer and even the frenzy in football when players like Brendan Fevola join a league for a once-off match.

Do imports cripple our juniors?

Definitely not.

Imports make Ballarat cricket fresh and exciting again.

Their presence alone offers promising juniors a good reminder and close-up example of what they could be aiming to achieve.