T20 League will help players who don't play Ranji Trophy, believes Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar has stated that the Mumbai T20 League will provide valuable exposure to youngsters, who have failed to make a cut to the Ranji side. The legend also added that even if the players don’t graduate to play for India, they can still look after their family and that is a great feeling.
With most state associations' T20 tournaments proving to be a huge hit among the masses, Mumbai decided to throw its hat into the ring and became the latest entrant in India’s cricket setup to have a T20 league of its own. The league will be staged at the Wankhede Stadium and will feature six teams and none other than Sachin Tendulkar has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the event. Speaking about the event, Tendulkar stated that it was about time that Mumbai - the traditional power-house in Indian cricket - staged their own T20 league.
"I firmly believe that something like this (T20 League) was needed for Mumbai cricket. Mumbai cricket has always led Indian cricket and the numbers are the biggest proof. I feel really happy to be part of this league," said the 44-year-old, reported ToI.
"Mumbai have won the Ranji Trophy 41 times. You've got terrific history. I still remember as a kid, at the Shivaji Park - Kamath Memorial club - Paddy sir (Padmakar Shivalkar), would come and bowl to me. He was possibly thrice my age at that time. Such things happen in Mumbai. It would be nice if the youngsters are playing alongside some big names in Mumbai cricket. They get to learn, and that is something that I am looking forward to seeing."
Thousands of players travel to Azad Maidan and Shivaji Park through crowded local trains with big kits hanging on their shoulders every day. Everyone carries the dream of performing better than the best and there arises the “Khadoos” attitude in their game. They thrive on boundless expectations and then, some achieve the lion-crested Mumbai jersey and some even go on to play for India. And Tendulkar feels that the MCA’s dream project will financially help those cricketers from the city who aren't able to make it to the Mumbai Ranji team.
"I remember there are so many names in Mumbai cricket who should have played for India but at that moment, there wasn't a spot available for them. But they were really good and would have gone on to play for India. Similarly, so many club cricketers would have gone on to play the Ranji Trophy, but they couldn't do that," Tendulkar said.
"By playing in these leagues, even if you don't go and play the Ranji Trophy, you can still look after your family, and that is the most important thing for any individual. If you can look after your family, make it feel financially secure and be its backbone, it's the greatest feeling anyone can get. This is why I feel that this league is here to stay. It has opened many doors for youngsters, not just cricketers but also the support staff - coaches, physios, doctors, etc. A league is a package deal. A lot of things happen around it, and that's why I am excited about it."
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