The English were the pioneers of T20 cricket and the cricketing pundits in England were the chief architects behind the inception of the format. However, as the years went by, England’s own T20 competition seemed to have faded out as international stars preferred cash rich tournaments like the IPL, BBL, and CPL.
In a recent chat with ESPN Cricinfo, England wicket-keeper, and Mumbai Indians batsman Jos Buttler spoke about England’s T20 setup back home. Buttler was critical about the way in which the T20 tournament in England was handled. The destructive wicket-keeper said that England should take a cue from the success of IPL, and plan a tournament based on the lines of the IPL.
“I don’t think our domestic T20 competition is great,” said Buttler. “Everyone watches the Big Bash and the IPL and wants to be a part of that. To experience something on a domestic level in England that is just like international cricket – every county player would love that.” “I think it’s a really important change, and it’s a bit of a shame it’s taken so long, but I do understand it’s very tricky with the timing of our county season,” Buttler added.
Buttler said that if a T20 tournament like the IPL comes up in England, then stars like Ben Stokes and Joe Root would find it easier to participate. “Someone like a Ben Stokes would be high on IPL teams’ lists. But he’s such an important player for England in all three formats. Joe Root too. How do they get everything in? But it would be fantastic for English cricket and all the individuals if there’s the potential to get players into these tournaments,” said Buttler.
Opening up on the general trend of the game, Buttler said, “I think what’s really exciting is that in the next five years there’s going to be some huge changes in cricket, with a new cycle of exciting young cricketers and a new generation of fans as well. It’ll be interesting to see if they’re more interested in the one-day stuff or if Test cricket still retains its primacy.”
