Dimi: I’ll raise a glass to the IPL
DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER: Jordan Abdull has no regrets over his switch to London PIONEER: Mascarenhas THE IPL kicked off yesterday – and England’s new generation of T20 millionaires might do well to drop a note of thanks to the original trailblazer.
Dimi Mascarenhas was the only Englishman at the first tournament in 2008.
It was a move that sparked huge controversy in English cricket with the ECB fearing it would spell the end of cricket.
Mascarenhas illustrated the rewards on offer for players who had the ability to smash the ball out of the park and tie down the best batsmen in the world.
This year’s tournament will see Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and soon-to-be England star Jofra Archer enjoy star-billing in India.
And Mascarenhas says there is no better platform for those players to both cash-in and also benefit from playing in a highpressure environment.
“It’s an amazing place, an amazing tournament and an incredible place to learn to cope with everything that cricket can throw at you,” said Mascarenhas, 41.
“To go and play and test yourself in Indian conditions is the hardest thing you can do as a cricketer.
“To get that opportunity to go and play with India’s best players on Indian soil – you can’t help but learn from that.
“The love of cricket in India is just phenomenal. The noise at the grounds is incredible and in terms of coping with the pressure of international cricket, it’s probably the best thing you can go and do.”
Stokes and Buttler have already thrived in the environment.
England’s flame-haired all-rounder was named the IPL’s most valuable player in 2017.
Buttler, meanwhile, equalled Virender Sehwag’s record for the most consecutive half centuries in last year’s tournament – and earned him a recall to the England Test side.
Now Curran, Archer and Ashes-hopeful Joe Denly will also be looking to showcase what they have to offer England at this year’s World Cup.
Chennai Super Kings beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by seven wickets in the IPL opener.