"I think IPL is better than the World Cup" : AB de Villiers

[KingKhanWC]

I already stated in my original post (#12) that I disagree with de Villiers and the World Cup is definitely bigger than the IPL. However, it is certainly comparable to bilateral T20 cricket, and I would argue that it is actually superior.

Bilateral cricket is usually time pass for neutral fans anyway. When Pakistan play Sri Lanka, do people in India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand etc. care? Of course they don't.

Moreover, if a neutral is given a chance between watching a match between two mediocre international teams lacking world class stars (e.g. Pakistan or Sri Lanka) or an IPL match between RCB and MI featuring the likes of Kohli, de Villiers, Steyn, Rohit, de Kock etc., which one are they likely to prefer?

How can the quality of cricket be superiour? IPL has featured some young hacks, young trundlers and old aged retired cricketers.

 

[Mp812]

Burnol sales must have rocketed.
Anyway if ABD had mentioned the same comment for PSL instead of IPL this discussion would be going in north direction instead of southwards it is going now. In that case ABD would have been the most knowledgeable person on cricket who is truthful and not money oriented.
Çurrently he is senile, lost his mind, saying it only for money and disloyal to country brat

 

[BunnyRabbit]

People can say what they want, but you have to appreciate the fact that he is not mincing his words.

With the World Cup looming, he could have given a diplomatic answer and what winning the World Cup would mean to the people of South Africa etc., but he preferred to speak his mind.

I personally don’t endorse his opinion because the World Cup is definitely bigger than the IPL, and I am certain 99% of the players - including the Indians - would happily trade the IPL trophy for the World Cup, but his assessment could become reality in the next 15-20 years.

IPL is already the highest form of T20 cricket in the game and it gets bigger and better every year. Not only is it at a completely different level to cheap imitations like PSL, BPL, CPL, BBL etc., it is a serious competitor for international cricket as well.

Perhaps one can argue that it is clearly much bigger than international T20 cricket. If T20 cricket continues to grow at a rapid rate, there might come a point in the future where the IPL and the World Cup would end up competing with one another.

Lol! Are you sure 99% of the players would trade IPL trophy for WC trophy?
Even Kohli of all people attributed that his side's WC chances shouldn't be judged by whether RCB wins the IPL or not. If the captain (arguably the most powerful and influential cricketer of the world atm) says winning WC is more than winning IPL, how can you say the same for all the players playing in the tournament? It's so over the top that it ain't even funny.
You can go ask any player if they want to play IPL or international cricket. Don't think anyone even from India would say they would take IPL over international cricket. Patriotism has a distinct value, something these T20 leagues regardless of much they pay can't ever replace unless international cricket becomes obscure or stops.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Lol! Are you sure 99% of the players would trade IPL trophy for WC trophy?
Even Kohli of all people attributed that his side's WC chances shouldn't be judged by whether RCB wins the IPL or not. If the captain (arguably the most powerful and influential cricketer of the world atm) says winning WC is more than winning IPL, how can you say the same for all the players playing in the tournament? It's so over the top that it ain't even funny.
You can go ask any player if they want to play IPL or international cricket. Don't think anyone even from India would say they would take IPL over international cricket. Patriotism has a distinct value, something these T20 leagues regardless of much they pay can't ever replace unless international cricket becomes obscure or stops.

For Indian players pay is good even for playing international cricket. Not sure about cricketers from other countries. International T20 is still used by most countries as a warm-up for other formats or used to give chance to upcoming youngsters. I agree with ABDV on that. International T20s are useless. Doesn't generate the same interest.

 

[Rana]

The guy scored a 40 odd on a flat Micky mouse size ground in Sharjah. Besides that he did nothing of note in the PSL. He had his drama queen antics going in full flow with the franchise owners.

Not sure how he can be saying that the IPL is better than the World Cup? He didn’t do anything in a lower league, surely then the PSL is also better than the World Cup?? Champion player but he is one of those who have been at the forefront of Indian cricket’s financial muscle and bulk, as BCCI gets more out of him than Cricket South Africa does.

 

[USofA]

Impressive numbers there joshila but what about the quality of cricket? Do even die hard IPL fans remember these useless games?

If that many people are tuning in then obviously they like the quality and enjoy what they are seeing. Because fans will go away if they are bored.

 

[BaankeJi]

Poor guy just wants to feel that he's still part of something worthwhile and important.

With the WC coming up, it's natural that he's feeling irrelevant and unimportant.

He's trying to convince himself more than anyone else. Fact is, no one outside India really rates a player based on their IPL performance.

So, AB doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things and its showing.

AB looks to be in self denial. He just wants the believe he isnt missing out on anything as he in his heart knows that T20 league he is playing in is ending and was nothing but a domestic T20 league like and the biggest white ball world tournament is gonna start of which he wont be part of.

Seems very likely. Whatever pleases him.

 

[Mirpur express]

What IPL..

 

[happydavy]

He is all money, that's why he retired early. Could have helped SA to win their first WC. No loyalty to the country which made him famous. Great cricketer but not a man to respect, no more.

I doubt that he would have won SA their world cup. For almost a decade he hasn't been able to get RCB in top 4 of a skill wise mediocre tournament, he won't have done much in WC. For his talent, the number of matches he isn't able to win in close situations is mind blowing.

 

[happydavy]

If that many people are tuning in then obviously they like the quality and enjoy what they are seeing. Because fans will go away if they are bored.

Indians used to tune in even to watch Bollywood celebrity cricket league. It's not because Salman Khans and Arshad Warsis play good cricket, it's because for 99% Indians there are only 2 entertainment avenues - Bollywood and cricket. In election time, may be news channels as well. So a country, where there are only 2 entertainment options, both of them are bound to succedd and it's not because or underlying quality but because of lack of any other options.

 

[Bigbb]

I doubt that he would have won SA their world cup. For almost a decade he hasn't been able to get RCB in top 4 of a skill wise mediocre tournament, he won't have done much in WC. For his talent, the number of matches he isn't able to win in close situations is mind blowing.

Okay, can you tell me "skill wise" which league is better than the IPL?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

These mercenaries go from tournament to tournament singing the praises of the country they are in, team they are playing for etc.

All about the money.

You are right. Singing praises like how they love the culture, people, cows on roads, etc. Fact is they will never settle here in India like they do in England to play professional county cricket for 8-10 months.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

If that many people are tuning in then obviously they like the quality and enjoy what they are seeing. Because fans will go away if they are bored.

That many people also like Bollywood movies or movies of Salman Khan. There is a reason that average movies of Salman Khan do more business than movies of Nawazuddin. Quantity and money are used to decide the quality of the product in India. That's a fact. You are more than welcome to prove me wrong here.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

For Indian players pay is good even for playing international cricket. Not sure about cricketers from other countries. International T20 is still used by most countries as a warm-up for other formats or used to give chance to upcoming youngsters. I agree with ABDV on that. International T20s are useless. Doesn't generate the same interest.

But about ODI WC, do you think anyone would switch winning a WC for an IPL trophy?

 

[someone21]

For a side like SA who have always "collapsed" in WCs, this IPL league offers the greatest hope of success, achievement, and fame. It's absolutely normal for AB to comment like that.

 

[USofA]

Indians used to tune in even to watch Bollywood celebrity cricket league. It's not because Salman Khans and Arshad Warsis play good cricket, it's because for 99% Indians there are only 2 entertainment avenues - Bollywood and cricket. In election time, may be news channels as well. So a country, where there are only 2 entertainment options, both of them are bound to succedd and it's not because or underlying quality but because of lack of any other options.

That many people also like Bollywood movies or movies of Salman Khan. There is a reason that average movies of Salman Khan do more business than movies of Nawazuddin. Quantity and money are used to decide the quality of the product in India. That's a fact. You are more than welcome to prove me wrong here.

I have no clue about Bollywood. My point was that the people who are watching, spending their time and disposable income on the IPL seem to like the quality. They seem to enjoy it. Because they keep coming back year after year. In fact from what I read, more people seem to tune in each year. I say, if they like it, then more power to them.

Let the free market, supply/demand determine these things.

Also, in this day of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Internet streaming, let alone cable TV, I doubt people are starved of entertainment choices....even in the subcontinent.

 

[Mamoon]

Lol! Are you sure 99% of the players would trade IPL trophy for WC trophy?
Even Kohli of all people attributed that his side's WC chances shouldn't be judged by whether RCB wins the IPL or not. If the captain (arguably the most powerful and influential cricketer of the world atm) says winning WC is more than winning IPL, how can you say the same for all the players playing in the tournament? It's so over the top that it ain't even funny.
You can go ask any player if they want to play IPL or international cricket. Don't think anyone even from India would say they would take IPL over international cricket. Patriotism has a distinct value, something these T20 leagues regardless of much they pay can't ever replace unless international cricket becomes obscure or stops.

You misunderstood my point. Please allow me to explain again:

I personally don’t endorse his opinion because the World Cup is definitely bigger than the IPL, and I am certain 99% of the players - including the Indians - would happily trade the IPL trophy for the World Cup

I clearly stated that the World Cup is bigger than the IPL and 99% of the players, including Indians, would happily trade the IPL for the World Cup, i.e. give up their IPL trophies for the World Cup trophy.

 

[Mamoon]

How can the quality of cricket be superiour? IPL has featured some young hacks, young trundlers and old aged retired cricketers.

And those players don't feature in international cricket? No tournament, be it at the international level or the franchise level can field only world class, elite players.

However, in bilateral T20 cricket, it is rare for teams to play their full-strength sides all the time like they do in ODIs and Tests. Pakistan is perhaps the only exception, but it can be explained by our mediocre Test and ODI rankings, and thus playing our main team in T20s allows us to achieve a high ranking since other teams do not take it very seriously.

For example, England would be without Buttler, Bairstow, Roy and Stokes today. What is the worth of this T20 match? Absolutely nothing.

Furthermore, the fact that this average Pakistan team is the number one ranked team illustrates the standard of bilateral T20 cricket in the international circuit. If there is WT20 today (where teams play their best XIs) or if the Pakistan team joins the IPL as a franchise, they will not go all the way.

 

[Mamoon]

The guy scored a 40 odd on a flat Micky mouse size ground in Sharjah. Besides that he did nothing of note in the PSL. He had his drama queen antics going in full flow with the franchise owners.

Not sure how he can be saying that the IPL is better than the World Cup? He didn’t do anything in a lower league, surely then the PSL is also better than the World Cup?? Champion player but he is one of those who have been at the forefront of Indian cricket’s financial muscle and bulk, as BCCI gets more out of him than Cricket South Africa does.

De Villiers did not perform to the best of his ability in the PSL which could be down to several reasons. The slow nature of the UAE wickets is probably the biggest reason, and he was lucky to miss the Karachi leg where the so-called "better bowling attacks than IPL" were decimated game after game.

Besides, transitivity does not work in cricket and in sports in general. Gayle failed in the PSL but he is one of IPL's greatest ever players. Similarly, there are players who are excelling in the PSL but are not even worthy enough to get IPL contracts.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I have no clue about Bollywood. My point was that the people who are watching, spending their time and disposable income on the IPL seem to like the quality. They seem to enjoy it. Because they keep coming back year after year. In fact from what I read, more people seem to tune in each year. I say, if they like it, then more power to them.

Let the free market, supply/demand determine these things.

Also, in this day of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Internet streaming, let alone cable TV, I doubt people are starved of entertainment choices....even in the subcontinent.

Actually this is how its decided in Bollywood as well. Movies with no stories and cheap entertainment are called hit or flop on the basis of ticket collection. That is why Salman Khan earns more than Nawazuddin.

 

[Bhaijaan]

I think we are almost there or very close to the point where an IPL match's star power would shadow international cricket much like how it is there in Football. On;y thing that is stopping that already is the limit on international players per match.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

I would have taken his comment seriously if he had experienced winning the world cup for his team. Its pretty clear he wants to make his IPL bosses happy here.

I know a South African who knows what winning a world cup means. He should ask him. His name is Gary Kirsten.

The very same Gary Kirsten that left coaching South Africa before the 2015 WC for "family commitments", only to take up an IPL coaching job?

Yeah...

 

[Mp812]

De Villiers did not perform to the best of his ability in the PSL which could be down to several reasons. The slow nature of the UAE wickets is probably the biggest reason, and he was lucky to miss the Karachi leg where the so-called "better bowling attacks than IPL" were decimated game after game.

Besides, transitivity does not work in cricket and in sports in general. Gayle failed in the PSL but he is one of IPL's greatest ever players. Similarly, there are players who are excelling in the PSL but are not even worthy enough to get IPL contracts.

Whatever you say..... but everyone knows and believes PSL where gayle/Russell/aBd fail,the only reason is world class bowling. It's a different reason why the pick of the best PSL managed to win only against Afghanistan(somehow) in Asia cup at same venues. But anyway PsL is best because ex and current world stars join psL for love of quality of cricket games and players on display. It's a different issue that if players feel minor niggles in PSL and feel they might miss ipl ,they pull out citing injury in blink of eye (Russell,abd).

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

The very same Gary Kirsten that left coaching South Africa before the 2015 WC for "family commitments", only to take up an IPL coaching job?

Yeah...

The keyword is 'South Africa'.

 

[RamLakhan]

Whatever you say..... but everyone knows and believes PSL where gayle/Russell/aBd fail,the only reason is world class bowling. It's a different reason why the pick of the best PSL managed to win only against Afghanistan(somehow) in Asia cup at same venues. But anyway PsL is best because ex and current world stars join psL for love of quality of cricket games and players on display. It's a different issue that if players feel minor niggles in PSL and feel they might miss ipl ,they pull out citing injury in blink of eye (Russell,abd).

If most of IPL pitches are like 1st match of IPL this year (CSK vs RCB) which are more likely available in UAE, then IPL will have superstar bowlers packing sides under 100 easily! IPL cannot make money, so they won't care for improving the so-called "quality" of matches! Bumrah, Rabada, Chahal, Tahir, Gopal, etc, do understand the quality of IPL...

 

[Bigbb]

Whatever you say..... but everyone knows and believes PSL where gayle/Russell/aBd fail,the only reason is world class bowling. It's a different reason why the pick of the best PSL managed to win only against Afghanistan(somehow) in Asia cup at same venues. But anyway PsL is best because ex and current world stars join psL for love of quality of cricket games and players on display. It's a different issue that if players feel minor niggles in PSL and feel they might miss ipl ,they pull out citing injury in blink of eye (Russell,abd).

Absurd logic.

Every one and their dog know that the pitches in the UAE are slow and low which hinders power hitting. You should have known this, when the same "world class bowlers" were getting thrashed all around in the Pakistan leg. Wickets play a major role in the batting returns and then comes the ability of the bowlers.

 

[topspin]

Even Virat Kohli wouldn't say this, I'm starting to lose respect for AB de Villiers. First he retires for SA, just months before the WC. Ditched the Pakistan leg of the PSL (I don't believe he was injured) and now this garbage.

I like the IPL but this is a kind of statement makes him look like the Donald Trump of cricket with these absurd claims.

 

[RamLakhan]

You are right. Singing praises like how they love the culture, people, cows on roads, etc. Fact is they will never settle here in India like they do in England to play professional county cricket for 8-10 months.

So you would steep to this level condemning IPL (and eventually India!) If IPL is played throughout the year (3 seasons perhaps) then you might see this happening (these players getting settled in India permanently! They have enough amenities here, you don't have to worry about that...) But that will pinch you even more, so lets hope that doesn't happen And cows were part of our life even when our country saw its glorious/richest days and when people from outside were coming here in a galore to stay as you say! (only thing is cows were not roaming in the streets like orphans, but had a separate shed in every house and were kept pretty neat - organically!)

And well I know what county cricket was doing to Indian Seamers... They used to get paid some paltry amount (compared to what foreign players get paid in IPL) and a work load that would reduce their efficiency in actual International Cricket Matches (as you say!) Compared to that IPL has given better benefits to our seamers (along with money!) and Bumrah (the best Indian pacer ever!)

 

[RamLakhan]

Who cares what ABD says! The whole intention (the actual positive desire) of IPL/Indian fans is IPL helping Indian Cricketers develop that professionalism, athleticism, pressure-handling, dynamics & more importantly bench-strength to play "International Matches" in a better way (And WC definitely comes the top priority!)

 

[Mp812]

Hahah so keyboard warriors who may not have played school cricket can pass a judgement on ipl but an ex star of cricketing world cannot and is called $#&#&$ because he has an opinion after having actually played IPL. Ironic but hilarious.

 

[RamLakhan]

Hahah so keyboard warriors who may not have played school cricket can pass a judgement on ipl but an ex star of cricketing world cannot and is called $#&#&$ because he has an opinion after having actually played IPL. Ironic but hilarious.

Exactly right! Its become even more tougher for ABD to win a trophy after coming to IPL (his stint with RCB!) He understands the intense competition here...!

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

So you would steep to this level condemning IPL (and eventually India!) If IPL is played throughout the year (3 seasons perhaps) then you might see this happening (these players getting settled in India permanently! They have enough amenities here, you don't have to worry about that...) But that will pinch you even more, so lets hope that doesn't happen And cows were part of our life even when our country saw its glorious/richest days and when people from outside were coming here in a galore to stay as you say! (only thing is cows were not roaming in the streets like orphans, but had a separate shed in every house and were kept pretty neat - organically!)

And well I know what county cricket was doing to Indian Seamers... They used to get paid some paltry amount (compared to what foreign players get paid in IPL) and a work load that would reduce their efficiency in actual International Cricket Matches (as you say!) Compared to that IPL has given better benefits to our seamers (along with money!) and Bumrah (the best Indian pacer ever!)

Where did I condemn India? Read that post again before replying to me

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Hahah so keyboard warriors who may not have played school cricket can pass a judgement on ipl but an ex star of cricketing world cannot and is called $#&#&$ because he has an opinion after having actually played IPL. Ironic but hilarious.

Pretty stupid logic. When it suits your agenda you are going to call people here keyboard warriors and remind them how they have not played professional cricket. But when it doesn't suit you will that cricketer jealous and what not. Learn to have your own opinion.

You remind me of that outsider guy here who most of the time used to got trapped by agreeing with whatever ex cricketer said.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Too bad you won't win any IPL either.

The answer lies in the question that how many people remember who won the last 3 IPLs as compared to the last 3 world cups.

 

[Braveheart]

IPL is an overhyped circus marketed brilliantly by the Indians.
Take away the big crowds and noise and all you have is average Cricket that just drags on week to week, ending in a boring anti-climax final.
The last couple of seasons, I would say that the PSL has been more competitive and entertaining than the IPL.

 

[RamLakhan]

IPL is an overhyped circus marketed brilliantly by the Indians.
Take away the big crowds and noise and all you have is average Cricket that just drags on week to week, ending in a boring anti-climax final.
The last couple of seasons, I would say that the PSL has been more competitive and entertaining than the IPL.

Of course when you have same set of players play throughout the season (and a short season of course) which consists of sub-standard players & retired players, it does appear competitive... The so-called circus has given us a best pacer, a decent alrounder, quality wrist spinners and athletic fielders/runners, that's enough for us!

 

[silentkiller187]

IPL is paying his bills so he is making sure he maximizes his cut. Interesting to see if he would have said the same thing had he bee playing at the world cup. Im sorry to break the news to you but the quality of cricket at the BBL or even the Natwest vitality blast is a lot better technically speaking. IPL has the better pool of players and is a pure entertainment circus, most players operate in 2nd/3rd gear.

 

[GenericBrand]

Says the man who has won neither

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

So circus has given us a pacer, allrounder, spinners and fielders? #ThankYouIPL because we never had those before you came into existence.

 

[Ab Fan]

de Villiers doesn't need to win WC or IPL to express his opinions.

Over his cricketing career of 15 years, he has already won so many hearts and so many times that the awards and trophy means nothing to a legend like him.

At the end of the day, what matters is how many hearts you have won with your game and with your performance. These trophies, tournaments mean nothing. And IPL is exactly about winning fans heart and getting respect and love from them, which ABD is getting. Trophies are nothing literally.

 

[Syed1]

Sour grapes.... Couldn't even help his team win some Mickey mouse cup let alone the WC despite being "the best LOI player in the world". More hype and talk than results and cups.



IPL is his level, let the real cricketers play in the WC.

 

[Darkrai]

He was crying when he got knocked out of the world cup in 2015. He must cry a lot in IPL. It must have had a big impact on him mentally that retired right before this world cup even though he was in great form, and the fans desperately wanted him to play the world cup.

At this point, it seems winning hearts while losing is all he is capable of.

 

[PakLFC]

It would be a bit like comparing the EPL with the Champions League. It is the title of being "world champions" that makes it the better tournament.

 

[GrandMaster]

Wondering how PPers would have reacted if he would have said the same about the PSL?

 

[hashimafzal]

It's his professional career and he can make whatever decision he feels gives him the biggest return. I don't know what this whole argument about national pride is when you only have a few seasons when you're at your peak. If he wants to use those to make a few extra bucks that's completely his decision and shouldn't judge him for not wanting to play for South Africa.

But with that being said in what world is the IPL better than the World Cup

 

[USofA]

There seem to be several posters here who are for and against these T20 leagues, and fairly passionate at that. There seem to be a lot of arguments about how T20 is ruining cricket etc. etc. every time IPL, PSL et all are mentioned.

So my question to all the Yay and Nay people.

Should these T20 leagues be forced out of business in favor of Tests and ODI's or should the free market determine that?

 

[RamLakhan]

So circus has given us a pacer, allrounder, spinners and fielders? #ThankYouIPL because we never had those before you came into existence.

They were there before! But it gave them a platform to display their skills and improve it...! (50+ players getting exposed to intense international cricket!)

 

[BaankeJi]

It is beside the point but IPL has made significant contribution to Indian cricket and world cricket. No two ways about it.
Haters gonna hate though.

 

[Bewal Express]

IPL matches are forgotten quicker than they are played( as with all T20 Franchise matches) and have no long term significance. The WC has more value but still doesnt have the prestige because teams like England and Australia have never taken it seriously.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The best thing that IPL ever did was ban Pakistan cricketers. That alone has meant that interest in the national game has survived in Pakistan. If the IPL had become a universal game then it could well have dealt a massive blow to internationals.

These T20 leagues around the world are serving a good purpose, but it is a good thing that IPL never got to be a real benchmark due to their govt small minded attitude, nothing is a substitute for nation v nation competition. Obviously retired players who can continue to play in T20s will see those leagues as a money making bonanza and it is understandable.

 

[Mp812]

The best thing that IPL ever did was ban Pakistan cricketers. That alone has meant that interest in the national game has survived in Pakistan. If the IPL had become a universal game then it could well have dealt a massive blow to internationals.

These T20 leagues around the world are serving a good purpose, but it is a good thing that IPL never got to be a real benchmark due to their govt small minded attitude, nothing is a substitute for nation v nation competition. Obviously retired players who can continue to play in T20s will see those leagues as a money making bonanza and it is understandable.

IPL has never banned Pakistan players. After 2008 Mumbai attacks Pakistan government denied to sent cricketers to play IPL citing 'security' reasons.
PCB tried to arm twist BCCI and damage IPL 2009 . The move backfired. The franchise who had brought players for their IPL teams realised its a bad investment and next year they chose not to risk investing in players who may not be available when needed . Purely business decision.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

IPL has never banned Pakistan players. After 2008 Mumbai attacks Pakistan government denied to sent cricketers to play IPL citing 'security' reasons.
PCB tried to arm twist BCCI and damage IPL 2009 . The move backfired. The franchise who had brought players for their IPL teams realised its a bad investment and next year they chose not to risk investing in players who may not be available when needed . Purely business decision.

Don't need to get into the semantics of whether Pakistan players were officially banned or IPL franchises were quietly "discouraged" from taking Pakistan players, you can call it whatever you want.

Overall point remains the same regardless. Pakistan fans were generally not invested in any IPL teams so the appetite for international cricket remained high. Pakistan could have turned into another West Indies if players were tempted by IPL.

 

[KingKhanWC]

de Villiers doesn't need to win WC or IPL to express his opinions.

Over his cricketing career of 15 years, he has already won so many hearts and so many times that the awards and trophy means nothing to a legend like him.

At the end of the day, what matters is how many hearts you have won with your game and with your performance. These trophies, tournaments mean nothing. And IPL is exactly about winning fans heart and getting respect and love from them, which ABD is getting. Trophies are nothing literally.

Fans wants their players and teams to win them silverware. If you choke or dont win world tournaments for your country you have failed.

But it's ok he has won your heart and you have a poster of him on your bedroom wall. )

 

[Ab Fan]

Fans wants their players and teams to win them silverware. If you choke or dont win world tournaments for your country you have failed.

But it's ok he has won your heart and you have a poster of him on your bedroom wall. )

How will AB win silverware for me? He can't. For that, he needs to play for India.

As long as he is doing his job with the bat, I am all good.

And yes, I don't have his poster on my bedroom walls or anywhere.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

Fans wants their players and teams to win them silverware. If you choke or dont win world tournaments for your country you have failed.

But it's ok he has won your heart and you have a poster of him on your bedroom wall. )

He is correct though. AB has spectacularly won MANY games for his country and the teams he participates in. Thus winning over many fan hearts.

AB singlehandedly took RCB to the 2016 IPL final: http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/...galore-qualifier-1-indian-premier-league-2016

In regards to not winning a world tournament, Lara also never won a WC. That doesn't make him any less of a player.

 

[BreadPakoda]

I have watched IPL games and the atmosphere is always electric. Cricketers are entertainers too and every entertainer wants to perform in front of a pack stadium and get the love and support of his fans....And ABD gets that in abundance during the IPL. Why wouldn't he love the IPL?

 

[BreadPakoda]

Fans wants their players and teams to win them silverware. If you choke or dont win world tournaments for your country you have failed.

But it's ok he has won your heart and you have a poster of him on your bedroom wall. )

List of failures as per your childish logic:

Waqar Younis
Brian Lara
Shoaib Akhtar
Saeed Anwar

and so on....

 

[Hitman]

List of failures as per your childish logic:

Waqar Younis
Brian Lara
Shoaib Akhtar
Saeed Anwar

and so on....

Wasn't that the Golden formula of greatness of players (cough .... Sachin .... cough) until the 2011 World Cup?

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

I have watched IPL games and the atmosphere is always electric. Cricketers are entertainers too and every entertainer wants to perform in front of a pack stadium and get the love and support of his fans....And ABD gets that in abundance during the IPL. Why wouldn't he love the IPL?

He can love it all he likes, no doubt it may well be a fantastic competition for players and Indian fans alike. Just his opinion that it is better than the world cup won't make much sense to those who don't have any Indian links.

 

[big_gamer007]

People are confusing about 50 over world cup. IPL is a T20 tournament and he's talking about T20 world cup.
T20 is mostly taken seriously in sub continent, I think he has a point. WC T20 is still not as big as a WC 50 over or test series in countries like Australia/england/SA.

IPL is major in the biggest market of the game so there is some merit to the argument he is trying to make. But I think IPL is still not at that level, needs atleast 10 more years and window to be increased to 6 months then we can say it's above T20 WC.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

The day the IPL becomes bigger than any world cups will be the day that cricket ceases to be an international game, and becomes an Indian localised sport with diminishing appeal. IPL is a national franchise, because of the fanbase, it is the biggest in the game. But that is all it is. It's not like football where the game is so popular fans will tune in all around the world to watch the Premier League or Serie A.

Maybe if some of the other similar national T20 leagues become really successful we will see this format replacing internationals for relevance. I doubt it though, they are two totally different concepts.

 

[Pakhs]

People are confusing about 50 over world cup. IPL is a T20 tournament and he's talking about T20 world cup.
T20 is mostly taken seriously in sub continent, I think he has a point. WC T20 is still not as big as a WC 50 over or test series in countries like Australia/england/SA.

IPL is major in the biggest market of the game so there is some merit to the argument he is trying to make. But I think IPL is still not at that level, needs atleast 10 more years and window to be increased to 6 months then we can say it's above T20 WC.

IPL in current format will never replace any international tournament simply because it only goes on for 2 month a year. Another thing that is devaluing IPL is political influence.

 

[Pakhs]

Reading the thread its clear Indian fans hold more value to IPL than Pakistanis which is understandable as its a domestic tournament.

 

[BDfanforever]

IPL is more or less same as its cheap imitations like BBL, PSL, BPL, English, etc. There really is not significant difference between all these leagues besides revenues which is purely due to India’s large population.

 

[USofA]

IPL is more or less same as its cheap imitations like BBL, PSL, BPL, English, etc. There really is not significant difference between all these leagues besides revenues which is purely due to India’s large population.

If revenues are purely based on population, shouldn't the PSL and BPL generate more revenues than BBL?

 

[Ronaldo7]

If revenues are purely based on population, shouldn't the PSL and BPL generate more revenues than BBL?

Give statistics. How much revenue do these 3 leagues get?

 

[marlonbrowndo]

The perfect definition of a sellout. [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] was always right.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

The World Cup is a few days away. Imagine how South African fans feel about this statement. No wonder so many of them hate him

 

[Mp812]

If revenues are purely based on population, shouldn't the PSL and BPL generate more revenues than BBL?

IPL is more or less same as its cheap imitations like BBL, PSL, BPL, English, etc. There really is not significant difference between all these leagues besides revenues which is purely due to India’s large population.

Management is also needed.

 

[Mp812]

Give statistics. How much revenue do these 3 leagues get?

Dont have stats but ready to bet $100 that combined revenue of PSL,BPL,CPL and whatever else ''L'' left will still be less than IPL

 

[Ronaldo7]

Dont have stats but ready to bet $100 that combined revenue of PSL,BPL,CPL and whatever else ''L'' left will still be less than IPL

I was talking about PSL, BPL, and BBL. According to you population is not a factor. But it is.

 

[KingKhanWC]

How will AB win silverware for me? He can't. For that, he needs to play for India.

As long as he is doing his job with the bat, I am all good.

And yes, I don't have his poster on my bedroom walls or anywhere.

He had his chance many times in both 50 over and 20 over world tournaments. He can come out of retirment if he likes but people go pay to watch players win or try to win, this winning hearts is some strange mentality which I've only come across now in your post in any sport.

 

[KingKhanWC]

List of failures as per your childish logic:

Waqar Younis
Brian Lara
Shoaib Akhtar
Saeed Anwar

and so on....

Yes they have failed in ODI world tournaments but have not in tests. Im not Indian so dont see players as my family, they are sportsmen who are paid to win nothing more.

 

[The Viper]

Yes they have failed in ODI world tournaments but have not in tests. Im not Indian so dont see players as my family, they are sportsmen who are paid to win nothing more.

Using that same logic, AB has been an epic test player also. He was the difference between SA winning vs India and Australia.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Using that same logic, AB has been an epic test player also. He was the difference between SA winning vs India and Australia.

Where did I say AB hasn't been a great cricketer?

My point was sportsmen are there to win not to win hearts. As a fan I spend my hard earned money for my team to win not for them to win my heart.

 

[Bigbb]

IPL is more or less same as its cheap imitations like BBL, PSL, BPL, English, etc. There really is not significant difference between all these leagues besides revenues which is purely due to India’s large population.

So large population is the only reason?

The main reason why IPL is levels above all other leagues is the presence of top class international stars and exciting indian youngsters which the other leagues clearly don't have. You don't see Kohli, Bumrah, MSD, Rohit, Butler, Warner, Smith, ABD, Williamson , Rabada, Faf, Stokes, Bairstow, Russell, Moeen, Boult, Guptill, De Kock, Lynn and tens of other internationals play in any other league. Other leagues either have retired players or uncapped domestic players as foreigners.

In addition to that, IPL has these electrifying youngsters like Shaw , Gill, Pant, Kishan, Samson etc who can light up the scene on their own. So , in conclusion , large population is NOT the reason why IPL is bigger than it's counterparts.

 

[The Viper]

Where did I say AB hasn't been a great cricketer?

My point was sportsmen are there to win not to win hearts. As a fan I spend my hard earned money for my team to win not for them to win my heart.

You classed players like Waqar as not failures because of test exploits and i simply responded that AB is not a failure like you are deeming him.

 

[KingKhanWC]

You classed players like Waqar as not failures because of test exploits and i simply responded that AB is not a failure like you are deeming him.

Different formats mean different defintions of success. All of these players have test series which is the highest reward in the test format. Perhaps when we have the test championship things will be different. In the LOI the world cups are the highest reward and all of those players have failed in this regard.

A good example is Jurgen Klopp, he has never lost a 2 legged Euro game since he came to the club meaning he has reached 3 finals now in 3 attempts but until he wins it he has failed.

 

[BDfanforever]

So large population is the only reason?

The main reason why IPL is levels above all other leagues is the presence of top class international stars and exciting indian youngsters which the other leagues clearly don't have. You don't see Kohli, Bumrah, MSD, Rohit, Butler, Warner, Smith, ABD, Williamson , Rabada, Faf, Stokes, Bairstow, Russell, Moeen, Boult, Guptill, De Kock, Lynn and tens of other internationals play in any other league. Other leagues either have retired players or uncapped domestic players as foreigners.

In addition to that, IPL has these electrifying youngsters like Shaw , Gill, Pant, Kishan, Samson etc who can light up the scene on their own. So , in conclusion , large population is NOT the reason why IPL is bigger than it's counterparts.

Well forget the population part, it is a contributing fact you cannot deny. Most exciting T20 players are West Indians and they pretty much play in every single leagues. The only difference is you wont see someone like Kohli in other leagues because India prevents it, but you will still see AB and other top international stars in other leagues.

IPL is somewhat better in terms of quality wise but it is not something significant as it is after all just another T20 leagues where you will see likes if Russell, Pollard, Gayle chase down big scores.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Yes they have failed in ODI world tournaments but have not in tests. Im not Indian so dont see players as my family, they are sportsmen who are paid to win nothing more.

Boy, you have India-phobia. Wonder who is responsible for it?

Any way, you're confused. You call ABD a failure and then when your logic gets exposed you come up with an even more absurd logic. Such a waste of time.