Clive Lloyd addresses exodus of West Indies players from T20 league: ‘We are suffering…’

T20 cricket franchises have sprung up all over the world and they pay big bucks to the cricketers. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for its extraordinary financial investment as well as the highest quality of cricket. While the IPL has enhanced the entertainment aspect of cricket and has brought forth many exciting young talents not only for India but also for other countries, it has always been open to questions for taking players away from their national duties with lucrative contracts. has been under siege. West Indies cricket has suffered as a result of these lucrative contracts.

However, World Cup-winning West Indies captain Clive Lloyd believes that modern-day cricketers deserve substantial monetary rewards. Expressing his opinion in an interview with RevSportz, he said that earlier also the players had separated and joined Kerry Packer because they were not getting their due.

“These people now know what they are worth. But I think if IPL is such an important part of his life, then just give him a window so that he can play IPL,” he said in the interview.

Lloyd also stressed the importance of providing suitable windows to players as they deserve to earn a good price for their services. He highlighted the fact that cricketers dedicate their prime years and immense efforts to the game, so it is pertinent that they are compensated appropriately.

Lloyd also drew comparisons with NBA stars and footballers and said that when Michael Jordan and other footballers were earning millions per month, no one objected and therefore, cricket should be no different.

Money should not be a barrier to commitment

Lloyd also said that players should prioritize playing for their country over franchise cricket, and that financial considerations should not hinder their commitment.

“The point is that they should not do this to the detriment of playing for their country or nation. And we are suffering because we are only five and a half crore people. So, if we prepare twenty players and lose ten, it is like digging a hole to fill it. And I don’t want that,” Lloyd said.

He stressed on the importance of getting the best players to represent their country and perform at their peak. Lloyd advocated a situation where the players had a genuine desire to play for their country.

West Indies cricket has faced the brunt of players choosing franchise cricket over their national contracts. Players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard are high-value T20 players and have often chosen franchise leagues around the world over West Indies cricket.