IPL 4 : “I think the ICC will look seriously for an IPL window’’ says Sangakkara

Deccan Chargers captain Kumar Sangakkara made a strong push for an International Cricket Council (ICC) initiative to create an IPL window that will satisfy all sections of the cricketing fraternity.

“I think the ICC will look seriously for an IPL window. It’s an important tournament and it has become part of the cricketing calendar. It can hold its own with any other tournament. I think an IPL window would be good. Once the window is created, it won’t put players into a position where they have to choose between the IPL team for which they have signed and also demonstrate commitment for their country.

“Cricketers take a huge amount of pride in playing for their country and that’s going to be their main aim. At the same time, if they don’t have to do that choosing of sides, I think it will make it easier for everyone (players, Boards) not to rub anyone on the wrong side at times. Hence, an IPL window would be good,’’ he said at the DC Team room, Hotel Trident here on Sunday.

The Chargers, who beat Mumbai Indians on Saturday, are out of the play offs phase of the IPL-IV. Sangakkara will play his last match against Pune Warriors at the D.Y. Patil Stadium on Monday before flying to England. He spoke about Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra and the IPL factor around selection of national teams.

Excerpts:

Ishant Sharma: He’s been really outstanding for us. When he came in (for the Chargers), he was a bit rusty. Now we can all see what a quality bowler he is, when he starts running in and delivers the ball. He’s top quality. Presently, he’s probably the best fast bowler in India along with Zak (Zaheer Khan). Ishant has proved himself by performing consistently in this IPL. He bowls well when he has the confidence and is keen to show intent. He attacks right from the start. We give him the confidence by telling him that here’s the new ball, go and hit the deck and do what you like to do. When he has the confidence, he’s been able to raise his game up. Yesterday, it was a case of defending a low total (against Mumbai Indians) and he really wanted to show his intent in the first six overs.

Amit Mishra: This is the first time I have really seen Amit up close. He’s got all the tricks for a leg spinner, but what’s important for a leggie is that he must have a huge heart and Amit has that. He’s also a man of strong character. That came through yesterday when he was batting against MI. He’s a guy who will grab every opportunity that’s given to him.

Others like Shikhar Dhawan and Bharat Chipli: Shikhar is a top class batsman. He’s technically correct and has shaped well in this format. He doesn’t really slog. He’s been extremely impressive. Bharat will keep improving and he will be a very important player next season. Anand Rajan played his first game yesterday. He held his nerves in a really tight situation. Credit to him, after being hit for a six first ball and sending down two wides, he managed to get Kieron (Pollard).

IPL can be enjoyable and frustrating: The key is not to get frustrated. The moment you start getting emotional, that’s when the game starts to slip away. This season has been a steep learning curve for us. We put ourselves in very strong positions to win games, but through a few mistakes in the field, we lost far too many games. The positive is that we have been in good position and beaten sides, but that also hurts because having beaten MI we know how good we are.

IPL as a factor for national selection: If the selection is being done for Twenty20, then the IPL performances can be considered. But the IPL format is not that much when it comes to selection for one-day or Test cricket. When you see guys like Ishant and Amit perform consistently well, as bowlers in this format of the game, it means they have a lot to offer. These two guys have played for India. They (the selectors) were probably waiting to see how these two step up in the IPL.

Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL): We are launching the first tournament in July. I hope that it goes off really well and becomes a very successful tournament. It’s important that our cricketers become that bit more professional in the way they play. The benefits have to go the grass roots level of Sri Lankan cricket. There are cricketers who have been playing day in and day out for their clubs and provinces without many rewards. They don’t get opportunities to get into the national side or play something like the IPL. The SLPL should benefit these players a lot, not the Sri Lankan internationals. Of course, the internationals who play have to benefit as well, but more importantly the club and provincial players have to be rewarded for their commitment and passion to Sri Lankan cricket.

England tour, not as a captain: It’s going to be a great fun for me to go to England, I would be far more relaxed. I love playing Test cricket. Hopefully, I can make an impact on the tour and keep doing what I can do and that’s scoring runs.