Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson has played in Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Caribbean Premier League and Big Bash League. So, the veteran is well acquainted with the atmosphere of all the above leagues. He opines the difference between all the leagues and hails IPL for being the best among all.
After his retirement from international cricket, the all-rounder has participated in almost every edition of all the league, except, BBL, because he retired from the league ahead of the last season.
The one thing that the IPL and PSL do is make the quality of the cricket, the product, the number one priority: Shane Watson
In IPL, he now plays under the captaincy of MS Dhoni for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He has also played for Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. According to him, IPL is unique and different from other leagues because of the quality of cricket. The presence of top Indian players makes the league more competitive and successful unlike BBL, who only focuses on entertainment, says Watson.
Quetta Gladiators player Shane Watson feels PSL is similar to IPL where he gets to face world-class spinners and pacers which improves the quality of the league.
“The one thing that the IPL and PSL do is make the quality of the cricket, the product, the number one priority. They know that if this is of the highest quality possible, then the longevity of the tournament and the commercial growth and success will look after itself.
“This is where the BBL has really lost its way. The quality of the cricket has been put on the back burner in the Big Bash and the entertainment gimmicks have been brought to the forefront.”
Further, former Brisbane Heat captain also suggested how the BBL can be improved. He recommends that more international players should join the league. The Aussies players are not available because of the clash of the league schedule with international cricket.