International cricket remains the pinnacle, reckons Ottis Gibson
Ottis Gibson has come down harshly on the various T20 leagues around the world for the fitness issues they present due to the hectic schedules, labelling playing for the country as the greatest honour a cricketer could achieve. He also discussed briefly his experience of coaching South Africa.
South Africa have recently concluded a dismal World Cup campaign, ending with just three wins from their nine games. Their skipper Faf du Plessis recently spoke up about how Kolpak deals and the cash-rich T20 domestic leagues around the world are taking away emerging talents from cricket’s biggest stage for want of money and means of sustenance.
However, regardless to say, cricket of the highest order is still experienced in the game’s biggest format and is the most impact making stage, though the viewership is slowly moving towards the much more quick paced and action filled shorter formats of the game.
“I would like to think international cricket remains the pinnacle. It's clearly not the most lucrative, but Test cricket is still the best cricket for me. In white ball cricket, I would like to think everyone wants to win a World Cup. You feel more satisfaction than if you win the IPL. I would like to think representing your country is more of a big deal than winning the IPL,” Sport24.co.za quoted Gibson as saying, reported ANI.
While the trend of T20 leagues first started with the advent of the IPL after the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, it has become an instant hit and most cricketing nations have come up with their own leagues offering plenty of money due to the large number of sponsors and a chance to play cricket without much real pressure.
“Is there a need for every single country to have a T20 league? Because the T20 leagues just drag more and more players out of international cricket. A T20 league in Canada when Canada doesn't even have first-class cricket, is that good for the game? I don't know,” Gibson added.
Gibson was made South Africa coach in 2017 until the present World Cup’s end and with his contract set to run out, he revealed he has liked the job for most parts and is hoping to continue in the role.
“For me to get an opportunity to coach in SA is a huge deal for me and my family. We have thoroughly enjoyed being in SA and we are hoping it continues, but we'll see,” Gibson concluded.