The Indian Premier League is proving too strong a temptation for players across the globe. And for many, the way to the cash-rich league could be through another league — the Champions League, beginning from December 3.
Majority of the players, especially the first-class and the fringe players who are trying to get into their respective national squads, would be looking to strike the form of their life in the Champions League, hoping some impressive showings might catch the eye of the IPL franchisees. "We have a couple of young talented players in the side and I hope they perform to the best of their abilities in the league and get picked by the IPL teams," said David Hussey, who's playing for Victoria in the Champions League.
Pakistan skipper Shoaib Mailk agrees with Hussey's assessment. "The league has thrown up a great platform for first-class players and others who are not in the national squads to earn name and money, an opportunity so far reserved just for international cricketers," he said.
"Besides, I am quite optimistic about some of our players getting picked up by the IPL franchisees if they perform well in the Champions League. It's a great opportunity for them to showcase their talent and impress the franchisees," said Malik, who will lead Sialkot Stallions in the Champions League.
{{/usCountry}}"Besides, I am quite optimistic about some of our players getting picked up by the IPL franchisees if they perform well in the Champions League. It's a great opportunity for them to showcase their talent and impress the franchisees," said Malik, who will lead Sialkot Stallions in the Champions League.
{{/usCountry}}And given the success and popularity the T20 format has enjoyed in such a short span, Hussey feels cricket is facing very interesting times. "I think we might soon find ourselves facing a situation where some young players might choose T20 leagues over Test matches," said Hussey.
But for Hussey himself, a Test berth is way ahead of the T20 leagues, even though he is labeled a T20 specialist. "I think I am more in a traditionalist mould. For me, the thrill of playing in the Boxing Day Test in front of a packed house still would be the ultimate dream. Although I enjoyed playing for Kolkata Riders, playing Test cricket is the ultimate thrill," said Hussey.