Is The IPL A Help Or A Hindrance To English Cricket?

Oct 2, 2021 at 11:19 AM

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Is The IPL A Help Or A Hindrance To English Cricket?

In cricket fans’ eyes, the Indian Premier League is one of the most highly-anticipated events on the calendar. However, following their recent Test series defeat to India, England’s management of player schedules has come under fire. Nowadays, domestic cricket has become a must-play variant, with the IPL being more lucrative than any other cricket tournament. So, let’s consider whether the competition is helping or hindering English cricket.

The Benefits Are There for all to See

In 2009, Kevin Pietersen’s desire to play in the IPL began a decade-long debate regarding English involvement in the T20 tournament. At the time, the England and Wales Cricket Board failed to handle the situation appropriately, and such an issue remains today. From a financial standpoint, few can blame the modern cricketer for wanting to experience the fast-paced, all-action competition. Along with competing against the best players in the world, those selected also earn well-paid contracts. Jonny Bairstow’s deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad will make him around £220,000. Because of the money on offer, the 31-year-old says it’s “hard” to turn down such opportunities, as per Times of India.

From a collective standpoint, meanwhile, the IPL has already seemingly served England well. In recent years, increasing numbers of English players have signed with Indian franchises, and the country’s limited-overs improvement has been there for all to see. Following the IPL’s introduction, England have won one T20 World Cup and finished runners-up in 2016. Crucially, because this year’s World Cup takes place in India, Jos Buttler believes that Chris Silverwood’s team will find the 2021 IPL “hugely beneficial” ahead of the international tournament.

IPL Trophy. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)
IPL Trophy. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

As of March 10th, the odds when betting on sports at Royal Panda reflect Buttler’s pro-IPL beliefs. Currently, England are the second-favourites to win the ICC T20 World Cup in 2021, being priced at +350 to lift the trophy for a second time. Not only that, but the Taunton-born player’s IPL team, Rajasthan Royals, are +900 to win this year’s franchise-oriented competition.

Geoffrey Boycott Hasn’t Been Too Kind to English Players

Currently, English cricket is in something of a lose-lose situation. If they don’t adopt a rest and rotation policy, they risk injuries that will ultimately hinder their T20 World Cup and Ashes chances. However, by continually altering their team for fitness reasons, they’re regularly unable to field their best side. In light of the tough predicament that the ECB finds itself in, one of England’s most successful opening batsman of all time, Geoffrey Boycott, states that those prioritizing the IPL over the international side should be fined, according to India TV News.

Interestingly, England’s former captain, Nasser Hussain, believes that a change of mentality is in order. To appropriately manage the schedule, the 52-year-old says players have to “take ownership” of big decisions. These include judging whether or not to play two IPL competitions in less than six months. For financial reasons, it’s impossible to begrudge English players competing in the Indian Premier League. However, the current rotation method compromises the Test team, which doesn’t bode well with the 2021-22 Ashes on the horizon. That said, this issue began with Pietersen in 2009, and the fact that there’s still no resolution speaks volumes about a lack of a beneficial solution.

Only Time Will Tell

If England are the ICC World Cup Winners and holders of the Ashes this time next year, few could argue against the fact that the ongoing selection policy has been successful. However, that hinges on a lot of factors going in Silverwood’s team’s favour. Ultimately, if past results show anything, it’s that the IPL’s introduction has undoubtedly coincided with England’s upturn in the form within limited-overs formats.

 

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