West Indies batsman Chris Gayle has credited the Indian Premier League for the rise of Indian Cricket. The Royal Challengers Bangalore opener said that the reason behind India dominating all the three forms of the game is IPL. He also added that the tournament is a blessing in disguise for the young and budding cricketers.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Gayle said Look at Indian cricket at the moment. They are dominating all forms of the game now and the reason is the IPL. The players touch shoulders with their international opponents. They share the same dressing rooms. They know what they are thinking. Then they become bolder performing for their countries. That is because of IPL and it is fantastic.
Along with this, Gayle also had some advice for the England Cricket Board (ECB). He pleaded the ECB to allow their players to participate in T20 leagues around the world. Gayle also blasted the ECB for ignoring their best batsman and his good friend Kevin Pietersen from representing England. He said that ECB’s loss is Caribbean Premier League (CPL)’s favour as the swashbuckling right hander is looking forward to play in the tournament.
He should be playing for England, there are no two ways about it. They (the ECB) must have their reasons but we would love to see your best player in action, out in the middle, entertaining. It doesn’t matter what format – Test, 50-over, Twenty20 – he’s a class player. One of the best players England has ever produced. But it’s your loss. KP is looking forward to the CPL. England don’t want him? We will take him. He will entertain the fans. We will make some sales off him, sell some tickets. It should be fantastic. The CPL is going to be one big party, he said.
Without Pietersen in England’s ranks, Gayle backs Australia to win the Ashes that begins next month. After playing the IPL, Gayle represented Somerset in the Natwest T20 blast where he averaged over 300 including an unbeaten 151 and now he is on his way back home to play in the CPL for Jamaica Tallawahs.