Karnataka Premier League: A talent source for IPL
The Karnataka Premier League has certainly made an impact in Indian cricket. The fact to underline that belief is the reality that players like J Suchith, KC Cariappa and Shishir Bhavane made it to the Indian Premier League (IPL) through their performances in the KPL.
The live coverage of the League by Sony Six has widened the reach of the league and IPL talent scouts/ hunters are glued to the screen looking at prospective players for their teams.
It is said that former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Kiran More made a few calls during the League last year seeking details of a few players he noticed on TV.
Similarly, Former India batsman, Praveen Amre, now with the Delhi Daredevils said, “The KPL certainly helps players. KC Cariappa is a classic example of that, as he came from there (KPL). Since it is being aired live, it helps us IPL teams to have a good look at young talent and be able to choose”.
This year, Amre plans on being present at Mysore and Hubli to have a first-hand look at the talent on parade.
Current Vice President of the Board of Control for India (BCCI) and from the Kerala Cricket Association, Mathew went further saying, “It is not just a boost to Karnataka Cricket but has all the flavours of being a big tournament”.
“The League is played in the right spirit of the game, and playing under lights does have its advantages. It is a great platform for youngsters to showcase their talent”, added Mathew who was present for a few KPL games at Hubli last year.
Mathew further said, “I don’t understand why the BCCI are refusing permission for players from other states to participate too. This League will help youngsters benefit. If anything it will help other state youngsters to parade their talent which could end up in players participating in the IPL”.
Avinash Vaidya, who kept wickets for India and who now is an integral part of the RCB set up said of the KPL, “It is a great platform for youngsters to make it to the top. And given the fact that the League is aired live any IPL team has the chance to look at talent”.
“It is a fantastic opportunity for the boys and a fantastic opportunity for coaches and talent hunters of IPL teams to zero in on talent they are looking out for”.
Makarand Waignankar, Consultant of the Karnataka Cricket Academy feels: “T20 cricket is here to stay and the KPL is a great concept to promote talent”.
Elaborating he said, “Equipment is getting expensive and this League allows a lot of players afford it with the money they make. Players can earn a bit here and talent spotters from the IPL franchisees are watching the matches which means a few can expect to be picked for the IPL”.