NEW DELHI, (Reuters) – Former India skipper Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath have warned against the launch of a local franchise Twenty20 league, saying it could kill young talent.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) wants to emulate the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) with a similar eight-team field, with players chosen from within the state.
Indian media reports said yesterday the auction for the local league drew 22 potential bidders, mostly from real estate, and netted around 350 million rupees ($7.4 million).
However, former paceman Srinath reiterated concerns that too much Twenty20 games would destroy test cricket.
“If the concept doesn’t click, the sponsors will never come back to cricket,” he told local media. “You must orient the kids towards the longer version and then introduce the T20.
“Don’t make these kids professional T20 players at the age of 17,” he said. “Money at this stage is difficult to handle.”
The KSCA secretary and former test batsman Brijesh Patel, brushed aside the concern.
“If that’s the case then why did the BCCI have IPL and why they are part of it?” he told DNA daily. “We’ve received a tremendous response and we have good groups entering the league.”
