Matthew Hayden exposes foreign players’ IPL mindset: ‘Think its bigger than international cricket’

Matthew Hayden dropped a huge revelation on a YouTube show, claiming that foreign cricketers consider the IPL to be bigger than international cricket.

Updated on: Apr 24, 2026, 06:15:31 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Matthew Hayden was brutally honest when speaking about how foreign cricketers perceive the Indian Premier League. The former Aussie cricketer pointed out that foreign players consider the competition to be bigger than international cricket. Hayden's comments come at a time when the IPL 2026 is underway and has also been put into the spotlight by Alastair Cook's recent comments.

Matthew Hayden revealed that foreign players consider the IPL to be bigger than international cricket. (PTI)

Recently, Cook suggested that Jacob Bethell should consider playing in county cricket instead of warming the bench in the IPL. Cook's remark sparked a wave of critical reactions. Bethell suggested that being on the bench in the IPL would benefit him more than playing in the County Championship.

Also Read: Why are Chennai Super Kings players wearing black armbands vs Mumbai Indians?

Meanwhile, IPL founder Lalit Modi and Kevin Pietersen have also taken to X to slam Cook for his suggestion.

‘Bigger than international cricket’: Matthew Hayden

Speaking on a YouTube show called All Over Bar The Cricket, Hayden said, "Talking to different teams, I feel like the foreign players, particularly the South Africans, us (Australians) to a degree, from New Zealand, they tend to bill this competition like it is bigger than even international cricket."

"You could see why they do that. Because there is so much hype around it. When you are here in the IPL, it doesn't matter whether you're broadcasting or just a punter in the streets or in fact, now where we are now on the other side of the fence. It just takes over for the entire period of IPL. It is just cricket every day. Sometimes even twice a day," he added.

IPL 2026: Action-packed blockbuster

IPL 2026 is turning out to be an action-packed blockbuster, featuring collective team displays and moments of individual brilliance. Punjab Kings currently occupy the top spot with five wins in six games. They haven't lost a match yet, and their fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders was washed out.

Rajasthan Royals are in second position with five wins and two defeats, followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (four wins and two losses). Sunrisers Hyderabad occupy fourth spot, with four wins and three defeats. Delhi Capitals are in fifth position, followed by Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. Meanwhile, KKR are in tenth position.

15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been one of the most talked-about players this season. The teen sensation has registered 254 runs in seven matches at an average of 36.29, and he has been striking at 220.86. He has also managed two half-centuries and is currently fifth in the Orange Cap race.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.