In a move that has sparked outrage in Australian media, cricket legends Ricky Ponting and Trevor Bayliss have chosen to prioritize the upcoming IPL auction in Dubai over their national duties.
The controversy surrounds Ponting’s early exit from Channel 7’s commentary duties during the Pakistan Test series and Bayliss’s decision to skip coaching Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Ponting, who provided commentary for only three days of the Pakistan Test series, notably absent on the 4th day when Australia secured victory, has faced criticism for seemingly favoring his IPL coaching commitments over national responsibilities.
The Australian media, including Code Sports and news.com.au, have labeled the situation as “IPL supremacy gone berserk,” questioning the influence and priorities of the lucrative T20 league.
For the unversed, Ricky Ponting is the head coach of Delhi Capitals while Trevor Bayliss is the head coach of Punjab Kings in IPL 2024.
IPL Auction over national duties?
Trevor Bayliss, the coach of Sydney Thunder, has also drawn scrutiny for pulling out from coaching his team’s game on Tuesday to attend the IPL auction. The decision has raised eyebrows, with critics suggesting that such actions may have broader implications for bilateral cricket and the global cricketing community.
The Australian Cricketers’ Association chief executive, Todd Greenberg, expressed concerns about the speculated second IPL window in September, emphasizing that it could “create havoc” in international cricket. Greenberg noted that while the IPL might be lucrative for elite players, it could exert enormous pressure on cricket boards and bilateral cricket arrangements worldwide.
The controversy surrounding Ponting and Bayliss’s choices highlights the ongoing challenges and debates surrounding the prioritization of domestic T20 leagues over international and national commitments, raising questions about the impact on the broader cricketing landscape.
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