Batting extraordinary Sachin Tendulkar today said he never thought IPL would turn out to be so huge since its commencement in 2008 and praised the money rich T20 competition for spreading the amusement to non-cricketing nations.
“I can’t believe that IPL has completed 10 years. This is a big achievement and it would not have been possible without the support of spectators. When IPL was announced in 2007 and when we played for the first time in 2008, honestly, I never thought IPL will be so big,” said the notorious cricketer amid the opening function of the IPL-10 here.
Tendulkar and three other Indian cricket symbols – Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, and V S Laxman – were congratulated by the BCCI for their commitment to the amusement.
Another Indian legend, Rahul Dravid, was likewise to be congratulated however he couldn’t make it to the function as he was occupied with his obligation as group tutor of Delhi Daredevils.
“It is a matter of pride that in India a big tournament like IPL has happened and which the whole world has taken notice of. I thought it won’t be as competitive as it is right now. But as the tournament progressed, its competitiveness, its competitive juice inside, sportsmanship, have gone to a different level,” said Tendulkar.
“The spectators are enjoying. The best part of IPL is that cricket has gone to those countries which have got nothing to do with cricket. That has happened due to IPL,” said Tendulkar, who was part of the title-winning Mumbai Indians team in 2011 and 2013.
He said every one of the groups is all around adjusted and the side that uses its assets the best and which can keep wounds to its basic players to the base, can win the competition.
Laxman felt IPL has changed the progression of cricket with new fans and new supporters, including the idealists, grasping T20 cricket.
“The mindset of cricketers has changed. They are more positive, the batsmen have become more aggressive. The bowlers know how to bowl defensive line and length. The biggest gain has been that of uncapped Indian domestic players as they are rubbing shoulders with top players from India and abroad.”
Ganguly said that the climate in IPL matches has not been substandard compared to the one encountered at football World Cups.
“Hopefully, we will be there in the 20th edition of the IPL. Today when a young player come out and play in front of 30 to 40 thousand screaming spectators, he has to score under pressure and it will take his game to another level. IPL is taking Indian cricket forward and it will get bigger and bigger,” said Ganguly.
Sehwag said that IPL has prevailed with regards to engaging cricket fans.
“I love IPL. I am the only one to play a game of cricket in all formats in a similar way. I never changed my mindset. I always tried to attack in Test, ODI, and T20. I believe in one thing that if you are playing cricket you should entertain people.
