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'Don't discount retired players'

Last Updated 17 May 2009, 17:11 IST

Wessels wrote in his column in the weekly Sunday Times: “Although I agree that the IPL should always give preference to active international stars, they should not discount retired players.”

The management of the IPL have previously stated that their league is not a “retirement haven”, regarding the involvement of current international players as being critical to maintaining high standards in the game.

“It depends very much on the individual. Players who are physically in top shape, mentally determined to make a contribution on the field and pass on their experience will be an asset to any team,” Wessels said.

Wessels cited as examples the performance of Mathew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne in the five-week IPL II which is reaching a climax here.

“After a tough time during the series in Australia against South Africa, Hayden came in for some harsh criticism for a player who has given such terrific service to his country. In the end his form suffered and Hayden wasn’t the player of old.”

“Clearly his burden has been lifted and he is playing as well as ever with amazing consistency (for Chennai Super Kings).”

Wessels said Gilchrist has been leading the Deccan Chargers strongly: “He has lost little of his batting or keeping skills and could easily still play at international level.”

Hayden’s secret

Hayden, meanwhile, said the ‘love for the game’ is the inspiration behind his splendid performance.

With 546 runs from 11 matches, Hayden is comfortably holding on to the Orange Cap for the highest run-scorer, ahead of fellow-Aussie Gilchrist.

“Well you want to see us retired (laughs). We will retire again. I think if you are talking about guys like Adam and I, we love the game. We always wanted to get back into the ring. I wanted to leave the game when I was still at the top and I did the same.
“But T20 cricket has provided me the opportunity to punch on in a different format. A much punchier format that I have grown to enjoy,” Hayden said. The burly left-hander said courtesy short-duration of T20 tournaments, he is able to balance cricket and personal life.

“The constant pressure and demands of the international schedule lasts 10 months, which is a long programme. To me it has given me an opportunity to fight. Today was a good example of that — to remain fresh and have my life back. Also, it has also brought back players of the caliber of Adam Gilchrist into the game. And that is why I too have come back in the squad, for the love of cricket,” he was quoted as saying in IPL’s official website.

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(Published 17 May 2009, 17:11 IST)

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