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The Indian Premier League (IPL), with its immense financial allure, has consistently fueled the 'country versus club' debate within the global cricket landscape. Overseas players frequently face the dilemma of prioritising national duty or lucrative IPL contracts. Meanwhile, former Australian captain Michael Clarke doesn't find anything wrong in prioritising IPL over national duty. Clarke believes there is no inherent fault in a cricketer choosing the IPL over representing their country.
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Clarke, whose playing career largely predates the IPL's current dominance, traditionally adhered to the 'country first' philosophy. However, acknowledging the evolving dynamics of modern cricket, the 2015 World Cup-winning captain asserts that all stakeholders, including players and cricket boards, must adapt to the changing times. He recognizes that the financial incentives and opportunities presented by the IPL are a significant factor in player decisions.
"It doesn’t matter if you’re Pat Cummins. If you aren’t playing well, they will find someone else. You’ve got to be at your best. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh have both been injured but they’ve ruled him in for the IPL. These players now know that this is a major tournament. Starc has sacrificed deals over the years to represent Australia. He pulled out of the Champions Trophy, but he openly said he's got the IPL. I grew up in an era where representing your country was the most important thing," Clarke said on the Beyond23 Cricket podcast.
"So if you're tired and fatigued and need a break, don’t play any tournament. We have to move with the time. You have to understand. Don’t be grumpy if an Australian cricketer getting 2-3 million dollars for 8 weeks. I’m not saying prioritise it over playing for the country. But gone are the days when you can be hard on players. How do they not take it? It's a no-brainer," he added.
Clarke's perspective is rooted in the undeniable evolution of the IPL. Since its inception, the league has grown exponentially, transforming into a highly competitive and demanding environment. The recent exclusions of prominent players like Steve Smith and David Warner serve as stark reminders that past achievements and reputations hold limited sway in the league's current landscape. The IPL operates on a principle of immediate relevance and performance; if a player no longer fits the team's strategic vision, they are swiftly replaced.
"I look at some of the players that have missed out, certainly from Australia’s perspective. David Warner unsold. He's been in the IPL since it started so I think that’s a massive change and it shows. As soon as you step away from international cricket, if you’re not playing your time as an overseas player, a lot of these teams are going to look at somebody else. Steve Smith… an awesome Champions Trophy. Still a very good short format player, did well for Sydney Sixers but can’t get a look on. From Australia's perspective, playing for your country goes a long way and also scoring runs and taking wickets for your country and the right time is something these teams are looking at," Clarke concluded.
The eighteenth season of the IPL will get underway on March 22 with a cracking contest between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium
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