IPL is better than World Cup, feels AB de Villiers

The Indian Premier League is easily the best franchise-based T20 tournament in the world at the moment. It is widely-reckoned to unearth hidden talents and give them a platform to sculpt a spot in international cricket. The cash-rich extravaganza garners immense attention not only in the stadiums but also when it comes to fan following across the globe. The popularity is unmatched and has enormous reach. The ongoing season has scaled newer heights and the level of anticipation is just high. Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman de Villiers has said that IPL is better than World Cup and he is making this statement after experiencing both the worlds. 

“Nothing comes close to the IPL, to be honest. I know I am sitting in India and busy playing in the IPL, so it’s easy to say. But I have played in quite a few (tournaments) now across the world. I think it’s better than the World Cup,” De Villiers said, reported Livemint.

“It’s the most incredible tournament to be part of. It wasn’t always the case. The first five years were nowhere close to where we are now. It’s so intense, so fast, and the following is just incredible,” de Villiers added. 

On being asked about his feeling after being retired from international cricket for almost a year now, De Villiers said, " It feels so good. I am really relieved and so happy—spending more time with my family. I am playing half the cricket I used to. I am feeling more refreshed and enjoying my cricket more than ever. I think the decision (to retire) was absolutely spot on. I do miss some things about playing international cricket. It’s the ultimate stage for performing for your country—the camaraderie, the friends that I have made."

De Villiers won't be playing this World Cup after hanging up his boots last year after he retired from the international cricket last year, citing tiredness. His absence is very much felt in the spines of South African cricket, and de Villiers stated that he would've loved to go to the field and represent South Africa once again, but he feels, that would be unfair to his other teammates and the South African fans.

"It would have been nice to be on the field. It was just too far. It was about 14 months to go when I wanted to step away from the World Cup. I thought 14 months of international cricket—there’s no way I could do it. I would have loved to play at the World Cup but it wouldn’t have been fair to the other teammates, to the followers in SA, to come and go, be in and out of the team...so I decided to step away. It would have been nice to play though, and I feel I am in good form. But it’s too late now. There are no regrets whatsoever."

Although RCB are out of the race of making it to the playoffs, De Villiers would be looking to sign off on a high in their last encounter against SRH on Saturday.