Ex-IPL players explain why the league is a 'good deal' for cricketers

NEW DELHI: The rise of the Indian Premier League has significantly impacted the careers of international cricketers and reshaped the dynamics of the sport globally.
Former Sri Lankan batsman

Tillakaratne Dilshan

and New Zealand's

Ross Taylor

shared their perspectives on how the IPL has influenced players' priorities and provided financial security, allowing them to focus solely on cricket without the need for additional employment.

Dilshan, who was part of the inaugural IPL in 2008, acknowledged the substantial financial rewards associated with playing

T20 cricket

in the league. He emphasized that the money earned from the IPL helped players set aside other concerns and concentrate exclusively on their cricketing pursuits. In many countries, the remuneration for cricketers is relatively modest, making the IPL an attractive proposition for players seeking financial stability.

"Playing T20 cricket involved a lot of money, and I know that our countries don't pay that much money, but that money helped him to keep other problems aside and focus only on cricket. That's an advantage, we can focus fully on cricket, everyone needs money to survive, and we're only playing cricket now, not doing any other jobs. I think it's a good deal, money is good for players and they can keep all problems aside and focus," Dilshan told the 180 Not Out podcast.

Taylor echoed similar sentiments, recognizing the IPL's role in providing a platform for international players to interact with some of the best cricketers in the world. This exposure has undoubtedly shaped the future of cricket in their respective countries.
"IPL is providing a platform for international players to interact with some of the best cricketers in the world, ultimately shaping the future of the sport in their country," opined the former Kiwi batter.
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During their IPL careers, Dilshan represented the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (now

Royal Challengers Bengaluru

), amassing 735 runs in 38 matches. Taylor, on the other hand, scored 1017 runs in 55 games while playing for four different franchises: RCB, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, and Pune Warriors India.