Franchise T20 cricket has revolutionized the cricketing landscape, offering significant financial rewards for players worldwide. The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been at the forefront of this cricketing phenomenon, with other countries establishing franchise leagues. However, the rise of franchise cricket has sparked debates about its impact on players’ commitment to their national duties. Legendary West Indies captain Clive Lloyd acknowledges the financial benefits of franchise cricket but emphasizes the importance of balancing national obligations with lucrative franchise opportunities.
Clive Lloyd reflects on the evolution of cricket and highlights how players today are more aware of their market value. He parallels the past when players like himself turned to Kerry Packer’s World Series Cricket to understand their true worth. According to Lloyd, modern-day cricketers deserve the financial rewards of franchise cricket due to their understanding of their value as athletes.
Speaking to RevSportz, Legendary West Indies captain Clive Lloyd said, “I think we went to Kerry Packer because we did not know our worth. These guys now know what they are worth. But I think that if IPL is such an important part of their lives, just give them a window so that they can play IPL.”
While acknowledging the significance of franchise cricket, Clive Lloyd suggests introducing a window allowing players to participate in these leagues without compromising their international commitments. He believes that players should be compensated for dedicating their prime years to the sport, drawing comparisons to athletes in other sports who earn substantial sums of money without facing similar criticism.
“Yes, a window would be excellent, I think, because they are earning a good living. And do not forget, you are giving your best part, the best days of your life, to this sport. So why not be paid for it? When Michael Jordan and all these footballers earned millions monthly, nobody said anything about it. Why should cricket be different?” he stated.
Clive Lloyd emphasizes the importance of players prioritizing their national duties over franchise cricket. While he acknowledges that players cannot be stopped from participating in lucrative leagues, he urges them to strike a balance and ensure that their decisions do not undermine their commitment to representing their country. Lloyd expresses concern about smaller nations like the West Indies losing talented players to franchise leagues, emphasizing the need for players to prioritize playing for their country.
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“You cannot stop them from doing that. It gives them a good future. But the point is that they should not do this to the detriment of playing for their country or their nation. And we suffer because we are only five and a half million people. So if we groom twenty players and lose ten, it is like digging a hole to fill it. And I do not want that”, he said.
The West Indies, in particular, has faced challenges with players like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell choosing to focus on franchise leagues rather than international cricket. Clive Lloyd expresses his desire to see the best players representing their country and emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent to maintain the strength of the West Indies team. He cautions against grooming twenty players only to lose ten, which would hinder the team’s progress.
“I want our best players to play, and I want them to play to their optimum. So, we must have a situation where players must want to play for their country,” he further added.
