Steyn tips LPL to attract more overseas players

By Shamseer Jaleel and Madushka Balasuriya

Following a more than chaotic build-up, that included several postponements, positive COVID tests, and several star players pulling out before even a ball had been bowled, the Lanka Premier League has nevertheless been quite the success story thus far. And in Dale Steyn, they now have one of world cricket’s biggest stars set to join its ranks.

Steyn, who has been contracted to play for the Kandy Tuskers in this year’s LPL, has just finished his quarantine and will likely play in the Tuskers’ next game. In an interview with Daily FT, the South African quick who has been eagerly watching from the side lines, expressed his belief that in time to come more overseas players would join up with the league and help it grow

“The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is bound to attract more overseas players in the coming years. Organising such a big event at a difficult time, hats off to Sri Lanka Cricket and the government,” effused Steyn. This is good exposure for the youngsters, as well as the two Afghanistan players. Not only in the game, but other aspects as a player they can learn and put in to practice when they go back to their country.

“If this LPL is scheduled according to the International cricket calendar, I am sure there will be many more overseas players taking part in the coming years and there could be more teams added to the event as well.”

Steyn, among the modern legends of the game, retired from Test cricket in August 2019 to focus exclusively on the limited overs formats. With fast-bowling among the most physically strenuous roles in the sport, the hope for Steyn is that free of Test responsibilities he will be able to ply his trade freely around the world.

“I retired from test cricket nearly 2 years back. It’s easier on my body to play league games around the globe than playing test cricket for South Africa. When I am contracted with my national team it does not give me any time to play elsewhere. 

“Now that I am retired I have more free time to play and travel around. I have played in the ‘Big Bash’ in Australia, Pakistan Super League, Indian Premier League, Caribbean League, and now the Lanka Premier League. You cannot do this while you play for your country and contracted.”

The Tuskers currently languish at the bottom of the points table, though with Steyn in their ranks winning the remainder of their games has become a much more distinct possibility – something he is very much looking forward to.

“We got to play as one unit. We need to concentrate game by game. If I am going to play in the next 4 games and win for my team, I will be more than happy,” stated Steyn. “I love this place and this is not the first League tournament for me, but will be here for many more times.”

Steyn also commended the work SLC had put in to make sure the players were safe, and voiced his hope that in the future the fans also would be able to enjoy the games at the stadium.

“I have been here for the last four to five days, everything seems to be going on smoothly. Take South Africa at present, they are struggling and the England tour has come to an abrupt end due to COVID-19. But here all are happy, the facility and training, it’s all been great. 

“The bubble system and the security has been excellent. I see lot of talent in Sri Lanka and the boys are eager to learn, that motivates me a lot. The last two sessions I had with the boys has been great. “The ground facilities are also great but unfortunately no spectators. But if COVID is eventually controlled around the globe, spectators could return to the game, something which is vital for any sports. If not the glamour is lost.”