Free Hit: Age is no barrier to cricketers in IPL

There is nothing like being too old to play cricket in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This tournament has extended the playing life of many cricketers, who after hanging up their boots from international cricket, may have been merely gaining those extra calories.

It is often a painful sight to spot some heroes of the eighties with huge pot bellies these days. Thanks to IPL, many cricketers can now maintain their fitness. In fact, during a recent meeting with Ian Botham, a thought did go through my mind on whether he would have gained so much weight had he played in a tournament like the IPL soon after his retirement.

It was great to watch Sanath Jayasuriya and Sachin Tendulkar, two of the most experienced international cricketers, bat for Mumbai Indians against Delhi Daredevils. Jayasuriya is 40 and Tendulkar turns 37 next month. Even at this age, they are among the best and are capable of tearing apart any attack.

These days, Tendulkar bats as if he is in his twenties, making one wonder how he is able to position himself so brilliantly for his shots.

Sourav Ganguly played his last international match nearly two years ago but can still hit his favourite straight six with perfection. Same is the case of Shane Warne. At 40, and despite playing his last international match three years ago, he is still able to generate that same fear in the minds of the batsmen. It is wonderful to see Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden in action too.

Brian Lara, who is expected to play in the next edition of the IPL, must be regretting not making himself available after his tenure with the rebel Indian Cricket League ended. Though there is the desire to play in the next IPL, he is unsure about his fitness. This only goes to prove that former cricketers do need a tournament not just for money but to remain healthy too. In IPL, even oldies can produce gripping matches.

Legends of the game fade away only when they do not have a stage to perform. In IPL, one can see them clearly enjoying their extended life span in the game. The net result being they play excellent cricket, broadening the IPL fan base by thousands each day.