IPL one of biggest threats to cricket: Carl Hooper

Melbourne: Former West Indies captain Carl Hooper feels the Indian Premier League is “one of the biggest threats” to international cricket right now. “One of the biggest threats facing cricket is the IPL,” Hooper told ‘The Advertiser’ here. Hooper said the West Indies team, which recently won the World Twenty20 (the team’s first major trophy in 33 years), could lose its way if the Board does not hand out central contracts to the players, who are being lured by the cash-awash IPL. [caption id=“attachment_485562” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Former West Indies captain Carl Hooper. Reuters[/caption] Players, including superstar opener Chris Gayle, were at loggerheads with the Board for a long time and some of them like spinner Sunil Narine and allrounder Dwayne Bravo missed Test duty to play in the IPL. “The spectators want to see the best players. If I looked up and saw no Gayle or key players named to play I would just say forget about it, stay home,” said Hooper. “They have to figure out a way to get our key players contracted.” Hooper said if players such as Narine get Board contract, they would be compelled to don national colours ahead of leagues such as IPL. “If Narine has a central contract that would mean he would have to play for the West Indies,” said Hooper. “We want to have our best cricketers playing each and every time we take the park,” he added. “I am old fashioned, I believe in Test cricket. If you have a solid base in Test cricket you can adjust your game to suit any other format.” PTI