New Delhi: Former India batsman Vinod Kambli has lashed out at the Indian Premier League (IPL), saying that the cash-rich event tempt the young cricketers to go for the quick buck, when their aim should be to play Test cricket.
Kambli said most of the youngsters have identified IPL as their only source of income in their bid to make fast money and obtain lucrative sponsorship deals.
"Today, the youngsters are looking to play in the IPL. Reason being fast money. One Ranji Trophy match and they are picked up for the Twenty20 tournament. From day one, their aim is to play in the IPL but one should understand that real cricket is Test cricket," said Kambli.
The former cricketer also compared IPL with a famous TV show `Saas Bahu aur Saazish`.
"IPL is fun, entertainment and offer a short career with a lot of money. It`s like `Saas Bahu aur Saazish` serial," Kambli said at a sidelines of a function.
"It`s for the youngsters to decide their priorities. We all know that IPL results in quick money, all the attention and facilities. But youngsters should give preference to the domestic cricket, which is the ideal platform to develop skill and temperament.”
"When me and (Sachin) Tendulkar started our careers, there was no IPL. We gave preference to the domestic cricket because our aim was to play in Tests. Now, with IPL, so many matches are being played in two months` time and it`s becoming like a serial. One day people would like to see a change," explained Kambli, who recently announced his retirement from first class cricket.
However, when asked if he would like to join any of the IPL franchise as coach or expert in near future, Kambli said, "Of course, why not! I would like to get associated with any of the IPL franchise as a coach or an expert if provided with the opportunity. Coaching is the first thing on my mind now."
Meanwhile, former India wicketkeeper and current coach of the IPL franchisee Kolkata Knight Riders, Vijay Dahiya, begged to differ from Kambli`s views on IPL, saying that the T20 event provides the right kind of platform to the youngsters.
"Everyone has a right to express his opinion. It`s Kambli bhai`s personal views and I respect him a lot. But I think IPL is a good platform for youngsters as it provides an opportunity to a player to select what kind of cricket he wants to play -- whether it`s a longer format or shorter format," said Dahiya.
Kambli termed Indian cricket team`s future as bright and singled out middle-order batsman Virat Kohli for special praise for his unbeaten knock of 112 against England in the second ODI at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Monday.
"Indian team`s future looks bright. Youngsters are performing very well. Kohli played one of the finest innings of his career against England in Delhi. Young cricketers should take a lesson from Kohli`s inning on how to approach a 50-over match. Kohli, under intense pressure, anchored his inning to perfection," he said.
PTI
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Cookies Setting
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device and the processing of information obtained via those cookies (including about your preferences, device and online activity) by us and our commercial partners to enhance site navigation, personalise ads, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. More information can be found in our Cookies and Privacy Policy. You can amend your cookie settings to reject non-essential cookies by clicking Cookie Settings below.
Manage Consent Preferences
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work or you may not be able to login.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advert as well as help measure the effectiveness of an advertising campaign. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we may not know when you have visited our site, and may not be able to monitor its performance.