India's own IPL has failed to provide the team with T20 World Cup success
This year, Alex Hales was not England's first-choice in the T20 World Cup squad. Jonny Bairstow's injury opened the door for him. On Thursday, he scored an unbeaten 86 against India in the semi-final game at Adelaide Oval, helping his side win by ten wickets and advance to the finals.
Hales later admitted that he made the most of his Big Bash League experience to impact India's attack. Unfortunately for India, none of the players have ever played in an international league, let alone the BBL. The lack of experience has haunted them for years, but on Thursday, the question was raised again after it cost India a place in the World Cup final and a chance to end their trophy drought.
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India's head coach Rahul Dravid was asked the question as soon as he entered the press conference following a crushing defeat. Dravid admits that it could work in their favor, but he believes it would harm their Test cricket setup.
“There's no doubt that England players have come and played in this tournament (Big Bash League). It's tough; it's tough for Indian cricket because a lot of these tournaments happen right at the peak of our season. I think it's a huge challenge for us. Many of our boys miss out on the opportunity to play in these leagues. But it's up to the BCCI to make that decision, but the thing is that it's right in the middle of our season,” Dravid said.
Moments later, Pakistan legend Wasim Akram questioned Dravid's remark about "Indian players in overseas leagues," pointing said that India's own IPL has failed to provide the team with T20 World Cup success. He claimed India has never won the T20 World Cup since the IPL began in 2008.
"Everyone thought India would benefit from IPL. It started in 2008. India won the T20 World Cup in 2007. But since the start of IPL, India has never won the T20 World Cup. So the question arises, I was listening to an interview, will India's approach change if they are allowed to play overseas leagues?" questioned Akram during his conversation.