'Expulsion of Royals, KXIP will affect IPL brand value'

Mumbai:

Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist on Tuesday said expulsion of the Rajasthan Royals and the Kings XI Punjab from the Indian Premier League will affect the brand value of the Twenty20 league.

"It does have an impact on the IPL. The brand and overall competition in general. No doubt it came as a surprise. I hope there is still scope for discussion between the franchisees and the BCCI. Hopefully they will stay in the competition," Gilchrist told reporters here.

"There is a need to maintain value and integrity which has so far been so successful for the venture. There have been some negatives. If people sit down there's an opportunity for everyone - business, players and spectators - as long as none of them get greedy," he said.

"Hopefully, there is still a way for a compromise," he added.

Gilchrist, who led Deccan Chargers in the first three editions of the IPL, felt that the Cricket Board's move would also create insecurity among the other franchisees.

"There will be a ripple effect. I read with interest, comments of few others franchisee owners regarding this issue. It does create a feeling of insecurity. It just needs to be well managed, well administered. There is an interest on what exactly happened," he added.

The BCCI on Sunday terminated the franchise agreements of KXIP and Rajasthan Royals, while asking the newly-inducted Kochi to resolve its internal disputes in 10 days.

Praising batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who is into his 21st year of international cricket, for his longevity and adaptability, Gilchrist said the search for an elusive triple-hundred may keep the little-master going for a few more years.

"His hunger is amazing. He has continued to play and play at the highest level. The quality of a champion is longevity and he has done it in a cricket crazy nation. Who knows what's left for him to achieve? Chasing that elusive 300 may keep him going for a few more years," he said.

"He has shown the ability to evolve and change his game through the years," Gilchrist said, adding that Tendulkar had shown his adaptability in the IPL.

Recalling Tendulkar's unbeaten 241 in Sydney against Australia in 2003-04, the left-hander pointed out how he had restrained himself from playing the cover-drive after getting out while playing the shot earlier in the series.

"In Sydney, after getting out to a few nicks earlier in the series, he chose not to play the cover-drive. We saw very few cover-drives in that series. I think he allowed himself to play that shot only after crossing hundred. That's just phenomenal," he said.

Asked who was the biggest nemesis for Australia between Tendulkar and VVS Laxman, Gilchrist said, "Few more names should be included. Virender (Sehwag) has done damage on a few occasions. Surprised Rahul's (Dravid) name didn't crop up Any player in the core batting order has damaged us."

He also lauded Laxman for his ability to play match-winning innings, particularly against Australia.

"Laxman's standout feature is that he has won Test matches (for his team) against us. Whenever, there is a match to be won, he has gone out and won that even from losing positions. He is the silent player of the group," he added.

Gilchrist felt India will start as favourites in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia in the absence of skipper Ricky Ponting, pacer Mitchell Johnson and all-rounder Shane Watson, who all have been rested.

"It looks a bit difficult (for Australia). Particularly, focus will be on the Ashes after this (Test) series, with Ricky, Mitchell and Watson going."

"India start favorites for the series, if they field their first XI. But that does not mean that they have won the series," he added.

Saying that there was no cause for concern for the Aussies, who will slid to number five in the ICC Test rankings if they lose the series against India, Gilchrist said India deserved the number one Test team status.

On the Umpire Decision referral system, he said there should be consistency in use of the technology.

"Current players sense that they rather have it. Can't pick and choose. If we have technology its in and if its out it should be out. We have to have consistency."

Describing the recent spot-fixing scandal as "disappointing and "damaging to the game", Gilchrist said it was upto the players to weed out corruption from the game.