The Twenty20 Indian Premier League will not cause players to retire from international cricket early to take advantage of the money on offer, Australian star Adam Gilchrist said on Wednesday.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has an agreement with other international boards not to choose players until they have been retired for two years. But several international boards fear leading stars will retire prematurely to cash in on the IPL's riches.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Gilchrist, who is seen as one of the biggest drawcards in the inaugural IPL tournament after he retires from international cricket next month, dismissed those concerns, adding that it could help the sport.
Gilchrist, who is waiting for an exemption from the two-year rule by Cricket Australia (CA), said he viewed Twenty20 cricket as an entertainment option for players rather than a genuine career move: "What motivates players to take on the journey that you have to take to play for your country comes from more than just the financial side of it."
"It is a genuine passion and if you don't have it, you are going to get found out. Guys who have done that and had a taste of that, will they be tempted?
"I don't think so, I think they will have genuine desires to fulfil their careers and make sure they get every bit out of their international careers, rather than suddenly cut it short, have a couple of years of fun and then be in the wilderness."
Gilchrist (36) said it could even make it easier for senior players to step aside for younger stars. "Players at my age, there might be a natural transition from international cricket if these Twenty20 tournaments get up and running," he said.
"Since the real professional age kicked in, maybe there has been a bit of tendency for guys to hang on a little bit too long.
"We don't see younger guys getting chances like we used to. It might be an evening out process, as now there is something for the older guys to move into." - Sapa-AFP