Abhishek Bachchan, associated with the European T20 League, said – ‘I would like to see Dhoni in ETPL, no one can fill his void’
Delhi. Six years after his retirement from international cricket, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s charisma remains the same and actor and ETPL co-founder Abhishek Bachchan says he would like to see ‘Captain Cool’ in the future in the new European T20 Premier League. When asked which Indian cricketer he would like to see in the ETPL and why, Abhishek immediately replied, “Mahendra Singh Dhoni.”
He said in an interview from Dublin, “Does anyone need to give any reason as to why you want to see Mahendra Singh Dhoni on the cricket field?” Dhoni, who retired from international cricket in 2020, is a part of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL but has not played yet in the current season due to injury.
Under BCCI rules, only Indian male cricketers who have retired from all types of international cricket and IPL can play T20 leagues abroad. Abhishek acknowledged that the current Indian stars will be missed but said he is confident in the quality and global appeal of the ETPL. He said, “If your cricket is good then people will come to watch.”
We would have been happy if the current Indian cricketers were a part of the ETPL but under the BCCI contract they are not allowed to play outside the IPL. We will miss him.” He said, ”But apart from Indian players, the best cricketers in the world are playing in ETPL, so I think it will be successful.”
The European T20 Premier League, to be held from 26 August to 20 September, is a franchise-based league of six teams to promote cricket in Europe. Former Indian cricketer and head coach Rahul Dravid has become the co-owner of the Dublin Guardians team, while the owners of the other teams include Steve Waugh, Jonty Rhodes, Glenn Maxwell. Abhishek, who has previously invested in the Indian Super League (Chennaiyin FC) and Pro Kabaddi League (Jaipur Panthers), said his love for cricket inspired him to invest in ETPL.
He said, “I am a big fan of cricket. This became my inspiration and it is a matter of pride for me to start a T20 league in Europe.” He said, ”I have got used to starting leagues in such sports which do not dominate the market. Be it football, kabaddi or street cricket. It excites me.” Dismissing concerns over the growing number of T20 leagues around the world, he said, ”I don’t think there is any harm in it.
If your tournament is attracting fans and providing entertainment, then they will definitely watch.” Abhishek also said that the changing habits of the audience are suiting the T20 format. He said, “No one has time now.”
Being a cricket lover, there is nothing above Test cricket but the current generation is not in a position to devote so much time, so T20 is the best.” Asked what he has learned from successful leagues like IPL or SA20, Abhishek stressed the importance of entertainment and quality cricket. He said, “If we look at both the leagues, excellent, entertaining and exciting cricket is played in them.” This is what has to be learned. If this is done then the rest will happen automatically.
Comments are closed.