The Indian Premier League (IPL) has had its impact on cricketers across the globe including the English cricketers. England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) was initially reluctant to leave their players for the T20 blitz before agreeing to allow their cricketers. One of England’s modern-day greats, Jos Buttler has heaped praise on IPL.
Since its inception, the cash-rich league has been the breeding grounds of many overseas and domestic cricketers. However, BCCI had to suspend IPL 2020 owing to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Jos Buttler is upbeat of the tournament going ahead and is looking forward to being a part of this year’s competition.
IPL is the best tournament after World Cups – Jos Buttler
The World Cup-winning England wicket-keeper-batsman has been a part of two franchises in the IPL. After playing for Mumbai Indians in the 2016-17 season, Jos Buttler moved to Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018. He also highlighted that the tournament has helped English cricket grow.
“There’s no doubt that it (IPL) has helped English cricket grow and the numbers of players who were involved in the last few years,” Buttler said in the BBC Podcast ‘The Doosra’.
“It was something I was desperate to play. For me it’s the best tournament in the world, taking out the World Cups,” he added.
The Englishman, who has witnessed a steep rise since in white-ball cricket after his stint in IPL. Jos Buttler said that playing in IPL was much like a fantasy growing up and seeing the best in the business rub shoulders against each other. Buttler also credited former English cricketer Kevin Pietersen, who advocated for a separate window for the IPL and allow the cricketers to play in the most competitive tournament in the world.
“As a kid growing up that is what you want to play — fantasy cricket. Mix all the teams together what it will be like if Kohli and de Villiers play together,” he added.