The Hindu : Sport : Youngsters stand to gain immensely: Srinivasan

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Youngsters stand to gain immensely: Srinivasan

Special Correspondent

— File Photo

N. Srinivasan.

Chennai: N. Srinivasan is delighted with the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The BCCI treasurer, TNCA president and vice-chairman and managing director of the India Cements Ltd. believes the Twenty20 competition has brought in a new audience to the game.

“Entire families are coming to watch the game. The stadiums are packed. I can tell you about the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. You have seen the crowds. The tickets are flying. The people of Chennai have adopted the Chennai Super Kings. It is an entertainment package for the family, said Mr. Srinivasan.

He said the IPL matches have been attracting world-wide interest. “People in countries like the United States and Australia are staying awake late to watch the games. I have received so many messages from people who have been following the IPL in those countries.”

Dramatic comeback

Mr. Srinivasan said the success of the Super Kings so far and the dramatic comeback of L. Balaji have captured the imagination of the people.

“The team has done very well and Balaji’s return has been sensational. I have watched him from close and I can tell you that his comeback is among the great cricketing stories. The amount of work he has put in is extraordinary. The poor lad had nothing to look forward to but continued training with the others.”

Turning his attention to Kapil Dev’s criticism of the IPL, he replied, “These remarks, coming from a man who is deeply involved with the ICL, are shocking. The ICL gets film stars and cheerleaders to all its games. Kapil is talking as if he is not connected at all with the ICL. It is a clear case of sour grapes. The BCCI is in good health and it knows what it is doing. Kapil should look at the ICL instead.”

“The IPL is essentially a cricketing venture and not a business endeavour alone. It is the quality of cricket that is drawing in the crowds. We have seen some extremely competitive matches and close finishes. The standard of cricket has been excellent,” said Mr. Srinivasan.

He said the youngsters stood to gain immensely from the IPL. “Every squad has four under-22 cricketers and four players from the catchment areas. The catchment areas for the Super Kings are Tamil Nadu. Kerala and the Railways.

The youngsters are receiving a chance to play with some of the finest cricketers in the world. It is an on-the-job training for them. The quality of cricket is bound to improve in the country. And I see nothing wrong if we produce cricketers like Virender Sehwag and M.S. Dhoni. What’s wrong with them? They are match-winners.”

Mr. Srinivasan signed off by saying, “The IPL is a whopping success and people should acknowledge it.”

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