T20 leagues need Indian representation, feels Brian Lara

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still very particular about not letting contracted Indian male players playing in any T20 league to keep IPL’s brand value intact. Considering the financial hold that the BCCI has over the other boards, it is virtually impossible for other boards to check their player in-flow, but Lara believes that for the inclusive growth of the sport, foreign T20 leagues need Indian representation.

"I am not being critical of the BCCI or their cricketers, but the world needs to see some of the great cricketers from India playing here as well. I don't know where that stands. No hiding the fact that the Indian cricketers are the most attractive players,” Lara told IANS.

"It will be great to see the players from different countries coming together and playing in these leagues. It helps the game and one of my own jobs is to get into schools and see if we can help them play the game," he explained.

While Test cricket is still the pinnacle of the sport and need the highest level of concentration, T20 is making some serious inroads and the fans have already accepted it. The instant entertainment and the skill on display in T20 cricket, Lara feels, has ensured that it drives the current generation.

"T20 is the only format. The game has evolved and I didn't play T20 cricket. I played Test cricket and I enjoyed that and won't change anything. But T20 is the only format that is actually going to make a difference. It will help take the game into countries that are now playing for the first time.

"It is a short and exciting version. It is the same length of time as baseball. It is the game to be played and I played a lot of Test cricket and you have to face facts. People are more interested in coming to the stadiums, watch the game for 3 or 4 hours, see a result and then push off," he pointed.

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