‘Little more security and certainty for players in PSL than in IPL’: Former England all-rounder on players choosing between leagues

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Willey noted that by sheer size alone, no league can ever come close to what it feels like to be part of the IPL. (Sportzpics)

Players choosing Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the Indian Premier League (IPL) may be explained by the fact that the former provides more guarantee of game time than the latter, former England opener David Willey has said. Faf du Plessis and Moeen Ali have ruled themselves out of the IPL and are set to play in the PSL. Glenn Maxwell has also chosen not to enter the IPL ring this time and is speculated to be set for an appearance in the PSL. All three are have been regulars in the IPL for over a decade.

“I think it’s very individual,” Willey told Hindustan Times. “You maybe never quite know how the IPL auction will pan out. I think there’s a little bit more certainty and security with the PSL for players. And, you know, depending on individual circumstances, people might feel like they’ve got more chance of actually playing in the PSL rather than just sitting on the sidelines for 10-11 weeks, which can be a defining factor for people.”

Willey noted that by sheer size alone, no league can ever come close to what it feels like to be part of the IPL. “In India, the scale and magnitude of the IPL is something you won’t experience anywhere else in sport. It’s a pretty special league,” he said.

Earlier, batting great Sunil Gavaskar had hit out at foreign players who are making themselves available for only part of an IPL season. Recently, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis reportedly confirmed that his availability for the IPL will be limited due to his wedding.

“There are some players who have made themselves available for a limited period. Frankly, if a player doesn’t show respect to the IPL and make himself available for the full tournament, he shouldn’t even be in the auction,” he wrote in his column for Mid-Day.

“If something other than a national commitment is more important to him, then not one second of the auction should be wasted on him. The IPL is the best T20 league in the world, and anybody taking it lightly should not be considered at all,” he added.

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