Australian batsman Michael Hussey who is a part of the commentary team in the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League 2018 has spoken about a few aspects of the league including voicing the fact that there is a need now for the league to look more attractive.
The league which started a new season under intense controversies regarding the participation of outstation players after the Supreme Court struck down the plea to allow outstation cricketers in the tourney.
Hussey went on to add saying that the league is in a tricky situation. “I can understand both sides of the argument. In an ideal world, you would like to have just local players from Tamil Nadu to give them exposure and experience to develop their game and hopefully go on to play for the State from that,” Hussey said.
Regarding speaking about the need for the league to more attractive he said that the league needs to strike a partnership with broadcasters, sponsors and advertizers. “I also understand the TV and sponsors’ point of view. They want some better players to play to make the league more attractive and I guess sometimes without these sponsors, the league might not even exist,” he noted.
Hussey also went on to speak on the Yo-Yo Test conundrum which has garnered quite a bit of controversy in the recent past. Ambati Rayudu, one of the top run-getters (602 runs) in the last edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), was dropped from the Indian squad after failing the Yo-Yo test for the England Test series sparked the debate in Indian cricket.
Hussey said that the Yo-Yo Test shouldn't be made compulsory in the TNPL.“These players aren't full-time professionals. That said, it's important for them to do it and work hard on their fitness because it gives them a taste of what it is like to be a professional and the level of fitness they require to succeed at the higher levels. So it shouldn't be compulsory in that if the parameters are not met, the contracts shouldn't be torn apart,” he explained.
Hussey also weighed on the upcoming Test series between England and India and is expecting the series to be a great one.
(Inputs from Sportstar Live)
