Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi on Thursday refused to buy the idea that IPL was the reason behind India's Twenty20 World Cup debacle and said the cash-rich tournament was here to stay with top Indian players continuing to play in it.
Modi disagreed with India coach Gary Kirsten's view that IPL affected Indian team performance in Twenty20 World Cup and said his brainchild T20 event was rather a good ground of preparation for the global tournament in England.
"Everybody has his view. Some say IPL was good and some say it is bad. But IPL is here to stay," Modi said.
"I don't agree (with Kirsten). IPL was rather a good ground for preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup. It was unfortunate that India did not do well in the T20 World Cup. But Sri Lankans played in IPL and they reached the final," he told NDTV.
Asked if he forsee top Indian players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni or Yuvraj Singh skipping the tournament in future, Modi said, "These days cricket tournaments are held throughout the year and players will have to adapt to the schedule. I don't see top Indian players skipping IPL. It is not practicable."
Modi said the Champions Twenty20 League to be held in South Africa later this year would be a big event.
"Preparation for the Champions T20 League is on full swing and the draws will come out soon. It is in the first year but the anticipation is there in the market place. I hope it is as big as IPL."
