Other leagues can only match upto IPL when Indian players start participating says Muralitharan

When T20 cricket first came into existence people considered it as more of a circus and never thought that the format will go on to rule the hearts of cricketing lovers all around the world in the following years. Since the inception of Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, many countries have taken a leaf out of their book and started organising their own T20 tournaments. Though nothing has been as big as IPL but at least the idea of IPL has given rise to so many tournaments across the world.

Despite this fact, Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan feels that unless and until Indian players take part in the T20 tournaments across the globe, other domestic T20 tournaments can never match to the standards of IPL. Muralitharan who is the bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad feels that spectators all over the world want to see Indian players in action so those tournaments can only be a big hit like IPL as and when Indian players starts participating.

“Whatever said and done, if Indians players are not going to playing in those tournaments, its not going to be a big hit. Because everyone wants Indian players, (otherwise) it won’t have (as) big impact as IPL,” Muralitharan was quoted as saying by Sportstar live. Indian players are not allowed to participate in any T20 tournament across the world as per the official clause in their IPL contract.

Murali further added that IPL has helped Indian cricket immensely and it is because of the experience to rub shoulder with some of the greats in the game, youngsters tend to shrug off the insecurity once they enter the national team. The individual starts backing his abilities and feels he belongs at the highest level.

“Indian cricket has got a lot of help from this one (IPL). You don’t see a Kuldeep Yadav come into a Test match and get four wickets on debut,” Muralitharan said. “Because he had played with these guys and got experience similar to international cricket, he didn’t appear to be bogged down due to the international stage. You can’t get similar experience while playing domestic cricket. When you are playing IPL, you get that experience.”

Murali further added that Sri Lanka is devoid of special talents currently and all of the greats have retired in a short span of time which has left the island nation in tatters. He feels that the newcomers who are coming up in the fray must perform in order to be eligible for selection in IPL auction. Asela Gunaratne was the only Sri Lankan player who bagged an IPL contract for the Mumbai Indians this year.

“Obviously, we don’t have talent back home, so actually we are lacking good players. We had great teams, great players but they all are retired at the moment,” he quipped.

“New guys are coming; Until they establish themselves, franchises won’t pick them. Since you can pick only four (overseas) players in the side, it is natural to think when you have experienced performers available, why pick inexperienced Sri Lankan players. When they do well, franchises will pick them,” the highest wicket taker in Tests concluded.