The fortunes of bench warmers Paul Collingwood and Owais Shah is unlikely to put off the growing number of English based players flocking to the IPL
The England duo didn t manage a single minute in a Delhi Daredevils shirt despite the franchise forking out plenty of money for their services.
They both arrived in South Africa with big reputations and eager to prove themselves but fell foul to the IPL’s four foreigners rule.
A great way to nurture the development of local talent it may be, but it’s frustrating for players of the calibre of Collingwood and Shah.
Both are not marquee signings, such as Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff, they fit into a group the next level down, a type of player whom team bosses are not forced to pick to appease owners and fans.
In fact, as it turned out, they were just considered squad players hardly an accurate reflection of their true ability.
Shane Warne, coach and captain of last year’s champs Rajasthan Royals, wants the overseas quota increased to six but this has been met with condemnation by Indian commentators.
They feel the IPL is already dominated by foreigners, with all eight sides coached by overseas talent and only four sides captained by Indian players.
Plus, the top stars from abroad appear to be making the most money. Seven out of the top ten IPL earners are foreigners.
Although Collingwood and Shah’s experience acts as a warning to others considering sampling the razzmatazz of the IPL, the opportunity to mix it with the world s best in front of capacity crowds will still be too tempting for most.
It s also hard to ignore the financial aspect of the tournament. Although Collingwood and Shah would have preferred to earn their money with glittering performances on the field, they have still been handsomely rewarded for their three week jaunt.
However, players will be risking their international careers by choosing to play in the IPL.
England selectors were not overly pleased by our top stars coming to South Africa. New coach Andy Flower said the recently returned flock were unprepared for the first Test against the West Indies and that included Kevin Pietersen who played every game during his availability for the Bangalore Royal Challengers.
Though Flower wasn’t entirely dismissive of the trio’s lacklustre first taste of the IPL.
He said: “They have had a superb experience, the atmosphere of the tournament has excited them about the game and they have come back really energised for the season ahead.
This was certainly the case for Ravi Bopari, an ever present for the King XI Punjab before his return to England.
The Essex batsmen built on some impressive IPL performances by hitting an outstanding 143 during England’s first innings at Lords.
But, despite the eagerness of some to play, it remains to be seen whether IPL clubs will choose to continue pay big money for their services when cheaper local talent is at their disposal.
Considering how this season s supposed big guns performed during their brief spell, it s a no brainer.
Author Resource:-
Sports Writer Des Moore has been reporting on all of the news and events of this year’s IPL (Indian Premiere League). Des Moore continues to follow all of the IPL Broadcasts and provide reports on the rest of the season leading up to the final on May 24th.
http://www.setanta.com/uk/Our-Sports/Cricket/
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