“Getting Little Bit Dangerous”: Australia Legend Adam Gilchrist Warns About Dominance Of IPL Franchises

Former Australian Wicket Keeper has advised caution on the growing dominance of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises in world cricket. He said the current trend of “monopolisation” by them is dangerous. These comments have come in the backdrop of reports speculating that Australian batter David Warner might opt out of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) this season. Warner is expected to sign up for a more lucrative UAE T20 league. Interestingly, three IPL franchises — Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals — have all invested in teams in the UAE T20 league.

“They can’t force David Warner to play in BBL, I understand that, but to let him then go off – or another player, let’s not single out Warner because there will be other players on the radar – it’s all part of this global dominance that these IPL franchises are starting to create given they own a number of teams in Caribbean Premier League. It’s getting a little bit dangerous the grip that it’s having to monopolise that ownership and the ownership of the players and their talents and where they can and can’t play.”

GILCHRIST TOLD SEN’S WHATELEY RADIO SHOW.

Also Read: “India And…”: Ricky Ponting Picks T20 World Cup Finalists

More Cricketers will follow Warner’s Path Cricket Australia needs to intervene- Gilchrist

The three-time World Cup winner Australian suggested his country’s cricket board take cognizance of the matter as more cricketers could take Warner’s path sooner than later. If he (Warner) rides off into the sunset and says,

“Sorry Australian cricket, I’m going to become a gun for hire for my Indian franchise team in various tournaments’ you can’t question him on that, that’s his prerogative and he’s done everything he needs to get the profile and get that market value. It’s the new younger player coming in that starts to make those noises where it’ll be really challenging.

GILCHRIST SAID.

Gilchrist, who represented Australia in 96 Tests, 287 ODIs, and 13 T20Is, had earlier played for IPL franchises such as the now-defunct Deccan Charges and Kings XI Punjab, now renamed as Punjab Kings. He had led the Deccan Charges to their maiden IPL title in 2009.

Check Out: Top 10 Richest Persons of the World