By IANS
Sydney : The Indian Premier League (IPL) has the power to mend international cricket’s destructive feuding, feels Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.
Gilchrist admitted the season had “got out of hand” and had been “exhausting” because of the off-field drama and political power plays.
The retiring Australian was hopeful that relationships among international players could be enhanced by the cultural mix of the IPL.
Gilchrist said professional cricketers get limited chances to mix with their rivals. The IPL will bring them closer as they will share the same dressing room.
“That’s going to be an opportunity for players around the world to get to meet, know and understand opposition cultures and customs. That’s a very positive offshoot of the IPL. Any world XI team I’ve ever played in had always seen a great camaraderie in the rooms,” Gilchrist said.
The summer of discontent has boiled over to the extent that there are now suggestions of rumblings within the Australian dressing room.
Gilchrist, however, denied any conflict within Australian cricket ranks.
“There’s been evidence that the players probably haven’t been able to totally represent exactly how they have felt. It’s grown beyond just the cricket. It’s a business now and I think people are mindful of that,” Gilchrist said when asked if players had become pawns in a political battle.
Gilchrist said players also had a responsibility to adhere to professional standards.
“I don’t think the players can totally complain too much though because it’s a professional world and we’re the beneficiaries of that professionalism. I think the situation this summer has got out of hand somewhat.”