Indian Premier League

[Googenheim]

Wrong. Mate, didn't you read what the players have been saying? They're not doing it for the income, but so they can be part of an exciting new concept.

Oh yes, I forgot money is evil and cricketers aren't human and mustn't aspire to riches. What was I thinking?

 

[howardj]

Oh yes, I forgot money is evil and cricketers aren't human and mustn't aspire to riches. What was I thinking?

Not at all. It just amuses me some of the reasons the players are offering up as to why they want to play - to get their cricket fix; to be part of an exciting new concept etc etc. And also amusing is the about-face when it comes to being over-worked.

 

[JBMAC]

Give it a rest, you're ruining the thread for people who may actually like the concept.

There is not many of them

 

[silentstriker]

God forbid fans who want meaningful cricket played by guys drawn together by something other than money; played by teams (not franchises) who actually have a history.

Yes, of course. International cricket isn't about money.

 

[silentstriker]

There is not many of them

Considering the number of people who are willing to pay big money, I would venture to say you are completely incorrect.

 

[howardj]

Yes, of course. International cricket isn't about money.

For the players it shouldn't be all about money, no.

 

[andyc]

The fact that sport in general has got to the point where we're actually advertising things in team's official nicknames.

Mm indeed, disgusting. I personally just want to get on with the Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series and wait for the next 3 Moblie Ashes Series.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

Mm indeed, disgusting. I personally just want to get on with the Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series and wait for the next 3 Moblie Ashes Series.

 

[Perm]

Mm indeed, disgusting. I personally just want to get on with the Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series and wait for the next 3 Moblie Ashes Series.

Haha, burn.

 

[silentstriker]

Mm indeed, disgusting. I personally just want to get on with the Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series and wait for the next 3 Moblie Ashes Series.

 

[silentstriker]

For the players it shouldn't be all about money, no.

And you're assuming that they don't want to play T20 cricket, but don't mind them playing, say, county cricket for the cash?

 

[Jono]

New South Wales are the Blues to everyone. Everyone calls them the Blues. People have no alternative but to call the Bangalore side by the corporate name.

That is deadset the dumbest thing you've ever written.

Firstly, NSW should be known as NSW if we're going to go by your strict 'pride before corporatism' idea. On the league table, it says 'Speedblitz Blues'. Not 'NSW Blues', not 'NSW Speedblitz Blues' and not 'NSW'. Hope there's pride in representing Speedblitz. Kids grow up wanting to represent them.

Don't get me started on the Retravision Warriors. That's even worse.

At least every IPL Franchise will have their region in the name. So at least acknowledge that corporatism is happening all over the world, and stop pointing your finger at Indian cricket just because that's where the money and power is, and your favourite players are jumping at the opportunity to go there.

 

[Jono]

Mm indeed, disgusting. I personally just want to get on with the Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series and wait for the next 3 Moblie Ashes Series.

 

[NUFAN]

Haha I knew McGrath wouldn't go for much (in comparison).

Who wants to watch 4 overs of tight bowling from a guy who won't be able to field at a good level and bat at 11.

 

[JBMAC]

Haha I knew McGrath wouldn't go for much (in comparison).

Who wants to watch 4 overs of tight bowling from a guy who won't be able to field at a good level and bat at 11.

Agree with that..His style of play does not really suit the format

 

[howardj]

And you're assuming that they don't want to play T20 cricket, but don't mind them playing, say, county cricket for the cash?

Ponting clearly loves T20, as seen from his comments last year:

"I've never been a big fan of Twenty20 cricket,...the international calendar is packed these days and on top of that Twenty20 cricket won't do much for the players."

Secondly, players aren't willing to retire to go and play County cricket, like they are with IPL and ICL.

Thirdly, County cricket at least advances one's overall game.

 

[silentstriker]

Ponting clearly loves T20, as seen from his comments last year:

"I've never been a big fan of Twenty20 cricket,...the international calendar is packed these days and on top of that Twenty20 cricket won't do much for the players."

Secondly, players aren't willing to retire to go and play County cricket, like they are with IPL and ICL.

Thirdly, County cricket at least advances one's overall game.

They aren't retiring to play in IPL either. They need to wait two years post-retirement.

 

[irfan]

Loving how riled up SST and pup are getting over how Indian cricket's based on commercialism and capitalism these days. Especially laughable as most of the Aussie players are cashing in on the revolution.

Face it, economics rules most sports these days. Just see how many football clubs splash squillions over players because of the package they bring to their clubs. The Champions League is arguably the best football competition in the world and draws massive crowds because of the quality of the players and the passion and determination to win the coveted trophy. If the IPL attempts to be the cricketing equivalent then I'll be more than happy as finally cricket will be marketed on a global scale to the equivalent of sports like soccer.

I do have a few concerns however:
1. Really dissappointed that the tournament is being held at the same time as the English Domestic Season as not only do the English cricketers don't get to play, it's the fact that in the future that if kids are being faced with a proposition of whether or to choose soccer or cricket than 90% of kids will pick soccer as they know that they'll get more money playing for Worthlessfordshire in Div 5 than for any county in first class cricket.
But if kids know that if they can play cricket and be good enough to go through the ranks and eventually represent England at international level, then there is the chance that they can make some good cash if they put their name up for the IPL. For talented sporty kids with a poor financial background this may make the difference. Same goes for Aussie kids and the AFL

2. I hope there is an even spread of wealth between all the IPL franchises cos the one thing I don't want to see is a couple of teams dominating due to their larger budgets and purchasing power. This is the one main gripe I have with the UCL, clubs like Chelsea, Milan, Real Madrid have an infinite amount of resources in comparison to lesser-known clubs.

3. That this Twenty20 tournament will force older players to retire earlier and younger players to focus solely on Twenty20. In all the training sessions, proper bowling and batting techinques should be incorporated so that the U-22 kids aren't severely hampered in the longer form. The essential cricket skills shouldn't be lost.

Aside from that, it's a good opportunity for cricketers to be part of something exciting but those who take part shouldn't complain of burnout. Maybe the money being splashed will force the boards to up the ante in terms of contracts. Finally I hope the winning team of the tournament can say they won something meaningful and not just participated in a mad dash for cash.

 

[superkingdave]

hopefully being in Aus i'll get so see some of this...reckon it will be PPV on one of the Indian networks on Sky back home.

 

[irfan]

hopefully being in Aus i'll get so see some of this...reckon it will be PPV on one of the Indian networks on Sky back home.

Ch 10 have bought TV rights