Cricket News

‘It’s getting a little bit dangerous’ – Adam Gilchrist on the increasing dominance of Indian T20 League Franchises

Australia’s legendary wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has raised concerns over the Indian T20 League franchises’ increasing influence in international cricket and claimed that the latest trend of their “dominance” is hazardous. Gilchrist’s comments came after reports claiming David Warner’s exit from the revamped Big Bash League this season.

The reports suggested that Warner may skip BBL to participate in the UAE T20 league that is set to have its inaugural season, amidst the BBL, in January. It is worth noting that three IPL teams – Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi – have made investments 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,” Gilchrist told SEN’s Whateley radio show.

“It’s getting a little bit dangerous the grip that it’s having to monopolize that ownership and the ownership of the players and their talents and where they can and can’t play,” he added.

Recently, Cricket South Africa made an announcement of a franchise-based league cricket tournament, and all six teams have been purchased by existing Indian T20 League franchises. Gilchrist cautioned Cricket Australia to pay attention to the situation since other cricketers might follow Warner’s example sooner or 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 added.

The monopoly of the Indian T20 league will serve good for Indian cricket, but to keep the cricketing ground equal and level the playing field, the boards need to have a talk so that a balance is maintained and also that one board does not get to boss over other boards.