A day of twists and turns saw Michael Clarke and Mitchell
Johnson join hands with keeper Brad Haddin to bid goodbye to the Indian
Premier League in favour of rest for better country commitments. Clarke
is expected to lead the Australian side after the retirement of skipper Ricky
Pointing and his decision would probably turn out to be a wise one given
his age and tight work schedule. Mitchell Johnson has also refused to
sign in a contract in the cricketing extravaganza to be held later this year
citing injury worries while Keeper Brad Haddin also moved out of the
race due to fears of burnout.
The IPL however gained much more than it lost with the signing of thirteen
prominent Australian players including three retired giants in its effort to
shoot into the next level. There is no shortage of cash offered with some side
paying as high as $80000 per week, on par with English Premier League stars
for the services of key players and this event is expected to give club cricket
a real shot in the arm. Cricket unlike other sports, is mainly governed by the
happenings in International stage and this should give the cricketing world
a lot to cheer about in the times to come.
The likes of Nathan Bracken, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden,
David Hussey, Michael Hussey, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Ricky Ponting, Andrew
Symonds and Cameron White are among the current crop of Australian players to
be picked while some of the most distinguished players of yesterday like Shane
Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer have also signed up for this feast of
cricket. With so many players lined up for this mega event, the IPL promises
to be one of the most unique cricket experiences ever and will give the hordes
of cricket fans following the game through out online cricket scores and our
unofficial live commentary portal much to cheer and enjoy about in the times
to come.
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