Indian Premier League (IPL): IPL not cricket, I only commentate on Cricket says Michael Holding

Indian Premier League (IPL): IPL not cricket, I only commentate on Cricket says Michael Holding.

Indian Premier League (IPL): Former West Indies pacer Michael Holding during his interview with the Indian Express has cooked a snook at the Indian Premier League, not terming it as a form of cricket.

The former cricketer also stated, “I only commentate on Cricket,” when asked why he doesn’t join the commentary panel of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL).

Holding does not recognise the T20 format as a form of cricket and that is the main reason why he doesn’t commentate.

Holding, who has scalped 249 test wickets in 60 appearances in his test career, criticised the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) new rules that restrict bowlers from bowling consistent bouncers and beamers in an over.

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In recent times, the concussion has been a major issue for batters when the bowler uses his fierce bouncers against them. The death of Australian opener Phil Huges in 2014 after he was hit by a bouncer of Sean Abbott has made the global body more aware of the situations and since then the safety of the batsman has been paramount.

“I am glad, I am on the way out. Because they are slowly but surely destroying the game. I would not even try to honour that with a proper response. You want to cut out bouncers from the game? Okay, well, Stop footballers from heading the ball because that gives them concussion as well. And that study has proven to be correct,” said Michael Holding.

The West Indies pacer said that safety should be paramount but the game of cricket should not be converted into a softball competition.

“You try to protect them as much as you can, yes. That is why people are wearing helmets and improving helmets now. That is why they do so much to protect them because their lives are important. But don’t turn into a soft ball competition,” said Holding.

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