Former Australian captain Tim Paine believes increased financial opportunities for players are positive, but called for streamlining T20 leagues.
The boom of league cricket is in its defining era, with the world seeing a significant dip in players’ interest in Test and ODI formats. While T20 cricket receives most of the attention, players are more lured into cash-rich leagues like the IPL, Big Bash League, etc. This trend has sparked discussions among former cricketers. In a recent interview with CricTracker, Tim Paine and Shaun Marsh, former Australian players, shared their opinions on the issue.
Paine saw the financial benefits for players as a positive development. However, he suggested streamlining the number of leagues, prioritising established ones like the Indian Premier League (IPL). He believes the International Cricket Council (ICC) should play a role in regulating and sanctioning these leagues.
“You know, I like it. I think the more options players have to make money, the better. I think we may sanction fewer of these leagues and prioritise the really good ones, like the IPL. Somehow the ICC can sort of work that out and sanction what’s important and what’s not,” said Tim Paine.
Shaun Marsh voiced his concerns about safeguarding Test cricket. He emphasised the importance of keeping the traditional format at the heart of the sport. While he welcomed the wider opportunities for players in T20 leagues,.
“I think, as long as the ICC makes sure that they really protect Test cricket, you want that to be at the forefront of every cricketer’s mind, and you want Test cricket to be healthy. But I love the fact that players have options now and lots of them. When I first started playing, T20 cricket wasn’t around, and there wasn’t a hell of a lot of cricket if you weren’t playing international cricket. So to have the options now that players have is fantastic,” said Marsh.
Last Updated on July 13, 2024
