Afridi believes IPL has helped India’s budding cricketers to deal with the pressure of international cricket.
Team India under the leadership of Virat Kohli are doing wonders for some time now, be it in Test cricket or the limited-overs format. They are the numero uno Test side for last four years and are few points behind the World Champions England in ICC ODI rankings.
For all the success of Indian cricket, former Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi feels that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has played an instrumental role in it.
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As per Afridi, IPL has helped India’s budding cricketers to deal with the pressure of international cricket.
"I think the IPL turned around Indian cricket. Their new players after having played in the IPL with top foreign players and having shared the dressing room with them are ready when they come into international cricket. They are ready to cope with the pressure at this level," Afridi quoted as saying by PTI on Sunday (February 23).
"I think the IPL changed their cricket and I think even our Pakistan Super League will do the same. Already we are seeing some good young players coming through the league. When you play with or against top international players before big crowds, you learn to handle the pressure."
However, Afridi was of the opinion that selectors should first give young players some exposure in the domestic circuit before bringing them in international cricket.
Afridi, who is playing for Multan Sultans in the ongoing season of Pakistan Super League (PSL), also said he would continue to play in leagues until he is fit and performing.
"It is not just about your name in T20 cricket. It is about being on the field and being able to perform for your team," he asserted.
(With PTI inputs)