The IPL continues to setnew standards forfranchise-based T20 in terms of quality and financial rewards.
To be selected for such a prestigious tournament is a major achievement and if the total spend of close to £11.5m on players for the 2019 edition is any yardstick, the tournament is heading from strength to strength with each passing year.
So, for Lancashire all-rounder Liam Livingstone, being picked for the Rajasthan Royals was a shock but also a dream come true.
“I’d obviously heard a lot about the tournament and had to send off various things so that people involved with the various IPL teams could have a look at what I could do,” he said.
“But, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting to be picked up. So when I was, it was a really nice surprise.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m sure other cricketers have the same goal. I’d heard endless amounts of good things about the IPL, so I can’t wait to go out there.”
To be with the title winners from the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008 must be a matter of pride for Livingstone, 25, and he makes no secrets about his eagerness to play in the world’s top T20 tournament.
“There are three other English lads in the Royals side so at least I’ll have some familiar faces in the environment there. and he’s been very complimentary of the team environment so, yes, I’m looking forward to seeing what the IPL is all about.”
This will also be the first year that Livingstone takes part in the emerging Pakistan Super League which is due to be played in both the UAE and Pakistan.
Denne historien er fra January 25,2019-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
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Denne historien er fra January 25,2019-utgaven av The Cricket Paper.
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Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
