People are burning as usual, but their third-degree burns will not change the fact that the IPL is the highest standard of limited overs cricket.
It is international cricket in franchise form, and unlike international cricket, they are no filler teams and filler games. Every side is packed with quality players, and every game counts. Moreover, they are packed houses and the pressure is intense in every game.
If you want to improve as a cricketer, the IPL is the place to be. Third class copycat leagues like the PSL, BPL, CPL, BBL etc. will never reach that level because playing in the IPL means something now.
It is no longer a paid holiday or a retirement home for dead cricketers; it is an honor to play in the tournament because all the world class players play in it and some times, elite cricketers like Joe Root, Hashim Amla etc. are snubbed as well.
It is the modern version of Kerry Packer's WSC. Moeen Ali's comments deeply wounded PPers, but he spoke the truth. Money is no longer the main factor for players wanting to play in the IPL; as Joe Root highlighted, it is a platform where you get to improve as a cricketer.
World class players, high competition for places, no dead rubber games and huge crowds. Limited Overs cricket doesn't get any better. It is a shame that our players are not allowed to play in it, but of course it is entirely self-inflicted.