Lahore: Former West Indies captain Carl Hooper believes the highly commercialized Indian Premier League as “one of the biggest threats” to International cricket right now. While talking to media at Australia’s city of Melbourne, the ex-all rounder WI team said, “One of the biggest threats facing cricket is the IPL.”
Hooper said the players that won West Indies first major trophy in 33 years, tempted by extravagant IPL could easily lose their way again if the Board does not hand out Central Contracts to them. Star players, including superstar opener Chris Gayle who were in conflict with the Board for a long time and the likes of spinner Sunil Narine and all rounder Dwayne Bravo missed Test duty to play in the IPL.
“The spectators want to see the best players. If I looked up and saw no Gayle or key players named to play I would just say forget about it, stay home,” said Hooper.
Carl urged the Board to grant Central contract to the key players so that they could give first priority to West Indies cricket ahead of leagues such as IPL.