The sporting world is still abuzz after the riveting Ashes 2023 series, but England's sensational batter, Zak Crawley, is already looking ahead. Fresh from his stellar performance in the recently concluded series, Crawley has hinted at a potential stint in the Indian Premier League (IPL) come 2024.
A young talent with exceptional skills, Crawley garnered significant attention and praise during the Ashes. In just nine innings, he notched up a staggering 480 runs. His impressive average of 53.33 and an aggressive strike rate of 89 have been topics of admiration in cricket circles worldwide. The Manchester Test was particularly noteworthy due to Crawley's exhilarating 189-run innings, an effort which significantly bolstered England's chances in the fourth match.
However, the Ashes isn't the only platform where Crawley's prowess has been on display. His participation in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023 further underscored his adaptability and skill in the T20 format. Averaging 20.5 runs per match, he solidified his reputation as a batter who can shine in multiple formats of the game, making him an attractive prospect for T20 leagues around the world.
When discussing the IPL, one of the most lucrative and competitive cricket leagues globally, Crawley's enthusiasm was palpable. Speaking to Cricinfo, he said, "It's the biggest franchise tournament in the world. It's the only place to see all the best playing against each other. It's great cricket and to be able to test yourself in that tournament would be awesome." The IPL, known for its high-octane matches and world-class talent, would indeed be a fitting platform for a player of Crawley's calibre.
Yet, despite the evident allure of the IPL, Crawley remains grounded. On the prospect of joining the IPL 2024 auction, he remarked, "We'll see how I go. If I score some runs and it looks like I've half a chance then, then potentially I will [put my name forward]. I'm a realistic guy though... If I was good enough one day to play in the IPL and someone wanted me, then I'd absolutely love to go."
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