IPL is probably the big reason why England are number one in both white-ball formats: Ashley Giles

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most renowned T20 leagues across the leagues and is known for providing a platform for cricketers to exhibit their talent. The managing director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Ashley Giles, heaped praises on the IPL and reckoned that playing in the lucrative T20 tournament has helped the national team in achieving the number one rank in the white-ball formats.

Ashley asserted that he has always encouraged the England players to participate in the Indian League as it is an enriching experience. IPL 2021 has 12 English players and a few of them form the backbone of their respective IPL teams and boasts of having a million-dollar contract under their belt.

“In my briefings with the players, I have encouraged players to think very carefully about what their programs are. I have not directed them. We aren’t forcing either way. The IPL isn’t going anywhere. It has extreme benefits for us. From this group here, I think, we have 12 of the 16 players going to the IPL.

“Years ago we found it very difficult for players to get into the IPL to experience that tournament. Now all of our players are in high demand and it’s probably the big reason why we are number one in the world in both white-ball formats,” Giles said as quoted as saying by News 18.

We have agreed for players to go to the IPL: Ashley Giles

New Zealand and England are scheduled to play a two-match Test series which will clash with the business days of the 14th edition of the T20 extravaganza. Speaking about the same, Ashley asserted that they have not forced the players to chose the one among the two and the players are free to participate in IPL at the cost of the Test series too. The IPL is slated to begin from April 9 with the final scheduled to be played on May 30, while England’s opening Test against New Zealand begins on June 2.

”We have agreed for players to go to the IPL. Those two Test matches were arranged late, they didn’t form part of the original schedule. We had agreed with the players and with the IPL that the players would be available right through the tournament and if they got to the later stages, they would be able to participate,” Giles added.