It's likely an unpopular opinion, but I disagree with the bolded statement. While I agree that the progress with Big Ant cricket games over the years hasn't been what the hardcore fans would expect. But I do not believe these old games are anyway better than all of the Big Ant cricket games. I mean to start with look at the ground and zoom in on that green carpet with both games, I am pretty confident there will be a big difference. Talking about sky and lighting, there were not too many differences in different cricket grounds around the world in these old games if I remember correctly. Cricket 22, you can tell the difference, if you are playing in Delhi or Wellington. Not to mention the amount of customization we get to build your grounds with similar effects. Commentary, yes, that has never been Big Ant's forte, but I personally hardly care about that.
As I said, my opinion is likely in minority. To me, Big Ant's cricket games are the best to date and I thoroughly enjoy them, barring a few things. But to each to their own, if you guys think 2009's Ashes Cricket or even EA Cricket back from 2007 and earlier are still better than the latest Cricket 22, well it is certainly your money to spend.