CPL 2020 players will definitely have an edge over their IPL teammates: Ashish Nehra

Post the COVID-19 hiatus, the cricket scenario is eventually getting back on track with fans witnessing many international matches. The T20 extravaganza of the Caribbean Premier League is also scheduled to return from August 18th.

The CPL 2020 is slated to be a 33-game tournament played over two venues in Trinidad. The opening game of the league will feature a clash between last year’s runners-up Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinbago Knight Riders, with the final scheduled to take place on September 10th.

It’s going to be the first high-octane domestic T20 tournament to be hosted amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Many world-class players including Rashid Khan, Kieron Pollard and Imran Tahir will ply their trade in the CPL before flying to the UAE to join their respective IPL franchises.

Most cricketers have been forced to stay away from the sport since March and the CPL would certainly help players to get back in rhythm and shape. Former India international Ashish Nehra, who has also represented many IPL franchises, opined that players who’ll participate in CPL will certainly have an edge over their IPL teammates.

Ashish Nehra was also all praise for veteran Imran Tahir

“I would like to say, whichever player plays CPL, there is no guarantee that their performance will be replicated in the IPL, but they will definitely have an edge over the other players. If you reach UAE after playing for a month, it will definitely make a difference, be it Kieron Pollard or Imran Tahir or Rashid Khan,” said Nehra on Star Sports’ Cricket Connected.

Nehra was also all praise for veteran South Africa spinner Imran Tahir who will be donning the Chennai Super Kings jersey in IPL 2020. The much-awaited IPL 2020 is scheduled to start in the UAE from September 19th, with the final being locked on November 10th.

“Even today when Imran Tahir takes a wicket, he celebrates like an 18-20 year old player. He is a dedicated player! When we talk about a certain age, when you get to play more matches and get more practice at that age, it is always better. It will be a really good thing for Imran Tahir to play the IPL after playing in the CPL,” said Nehra.