‘We’ve seen what the IPL has done for Indian players’ – Tabraiz Shamsi sheds light on impact of cricket leagues on players

The South African bowler Tabraiz Shamsi recently discussed the impact of the cricket league on the careers of cricketers and how it has helped them prosper in the game apart from just helping them make money. Shamsi recalled how playing in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) during the initial days of his career made him feel relaxed while walking in the stadiums. 

While citing the example of the Indian Premier League, Shamsi also highlighted that initially when the cricket league began they were highly criticised for just being a moneymaking device, but now they have had a significant impact on the lives of cricketers as it gives them a chance to perform on the big stage. 

“When the leagues first started, they were seen in a bad light in the sense that it was all about players wanting to earn money. But when you play in different leagues, you pick up little bits of golden nuggets,” said Tabraiz Shamsi. 

Tabraiz Shamsi on the impact of cricket league on his cricket career

“As a youngster playing in the CPL before I made my debut for the Proteas in West Indies helped me feel so relaxed because I had been in those stadiums and I had done well on those pitches. So when I eventually did play for South Africa, I felt at home,” he added. 

“Over the years, we’ve seen what the IPL has done for Indian players and Indian youngsters in particular. When they come to the international scene they have already played in front of huge crowds, they have had their disappointments and bad games in front of huge crowds, so they have learned how to deal with that, and they’ve had success in front of good crowds so they know how to deal with that too. When they come to international cricket, it’s just business as usual,” Shamsi said. 

“The SA20 is brilliant for our country – in giving exposure to players. We’ve just had one season so we may not see it now, or in the near future but in the years to come we will see how much more prepared our new generation and guys that are in the system will be when they do play for the Proteas. It won’t be a thing that they are playing international cricket. They will just let their natural talent shine,” he concluded.