IPL: In a league of its own

Dubai:  The stage is set for yet another Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament, with cricket lovers around the world gearing up to watch the best of Twenty20 action from tomorrow.

When, in June 2007, Lalit Modi met sports management giants International Management Group (IMG) to conceive this league, no one thought it would go on to become one of the world's best competitive cricketing event.

Today, it has reached a stage where cricketers are queuing up to take part.

The event has become so popular that cricketers now feel that it is a must to play in the IPL to further improve their potential.

Gulf News spoke to some of the top cricketers, who were in Dubai recently, about the rising stature of IPL.

From England captain Paul Collingwood to India's Yuvraj Singh, who is considered as one of the finest Twenty20 players, everyone said room must be made for IPL in the international cricket calendar.

No wonder IPL has moved from strength to strength. Today it is not only a money-spinner for organisers as well as players, but also one of the finest sporting entertainment events in the world.

Collingwood said: "It would be ideal to get as many English players in the IPL and Champions League as possible. We are going to miss parts of the IPL here and there. That is a shame because ideally we'd love to be there all the time."

Boost

Singh, the hero of the first Twenty20 World Cup with a record of six sixers in one over, said IPL has given a big boost to the game.

"It has won the heart of many cricket lovers around the world and has even attracted more people into the game," he said.

Singh, who represents the Emirates airline-backed Kings Punjab XI, was hoping that his team would win the league this year.

"In the first edition we made it to the semi-finals, and in the second edition we were hampered by some injuries. Even our star bowler Bret Lee joined us only very late due to his international commitments. This year, with Lee being available, we have a great chance."

Lee, who quit Test cricket to focus on the shorter version, was also eager to play in the IPL.

"The thrill that IPL has generated is unparalleled. I have enjoyed every moment of playing in it," he said.

England spinner Graeme Swann was very vocal when asked about the importance of IPL. "I feel that a three-week window must be kept for players to play in the IPL. Playing in the IPL is essential, especially before the World Cup."

Concern

Swann expressed concern over the absence of many English players.

"I certainly won't throw any money at any English player if you can only have them for three or four games," he said, in support of team owners who did not bid for English players.

England allrounder Andrew Flintoff, who was recuperating from an operation in Dubai, also said he was eager to play in the league.

"I feel Twenty20 is the best form of the game that I enjoy playing most. I am sad to miss IPL because I may need another six months to recover," he said.

Indian national coach Gary Kirsten, who was in Dubai last week, when asked about IPL, said the Indian team for the Twenty20 World Cup will be finalised based on the probables' performance in the IPL.

"We will use the IPL as a platform to see what players are able to do and the things that players need to do in a T20 game," he said.

Indian medium pacer Irfan Pathan too, during his visit to Dubai, said he would use IPL to show that he has fully recovered from his back injury.

IPL has grown so much today that cricketers now use this event, which was initially termed as entertainment, to even cement their place in one-day and Test teams.