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A wonderful concept: Gilchrist

Principal Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Adam Gilchrist, captain of the Deccan Chargers, hopes that the Champions League Twenty20 championship will soon develop into an amazing rivalry amongst the franchisees like in European football.

“It is a wonderful concept, reflecting the changing face of cricket across the world and witnessing some exceptional quality of cricket from some of the best players in the world,” he said in a media interaction on the sidelines of a promotional campaign here on Friday.

The former Australian wicketkeeper felt it would take a couple of years for the tournament to really develop along the lines that the organisers have in mind.

“I got a feeling of playing for India when I represented Deccan Chargers. It was a special feeling and I feel completely at home whenever I come to Hyderabad.

“Though I was disappointed with the early exit of the Chargers, the feeling of being there was something unique,” he said. Gilchrist pointed out that the failure of the Chargers in IPL-1 was because they did not get the cultural ethos right as so many players from different countries were playing together for one team.

“So, before the start of IPL-2 we had a culture appreciation course even while developing our own identity,” the Australian revealed.

Commenting on the upcoming India-Australia series, Gilchrist said his country would be high on confidence after the twin-success in the seven-match one-day series in England and more so after the Champions Trophy triumph.

“Yet, the series will be really tough since the Indians will be playing under favourable conditions,” he said.

Gilchrist, who was promoting the University of Wollongong as its brand ambassador, felt that Australia was still one of the best places to pursue studies despite the attacks on Indians there.

“I have been interacting with a number of students from India and they always tell me they are really enjoying life there,” he said.

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