IPL 2023 was one of the most successful and entertaining seasons as we not only witnessed high-scoring thrillers but even a contest between bat & ball. Wayne Parnell pointed out that IPL has changed the face of cricket. Wayne Parnell also said that the competition in IPL is quite high and fierce.
IPL 2024 would serve as a stepping stone as the T20 WC 2024 which is scheduled in June 2024 at USA- West Indies. There is uncertainty regarding the venue as India has elections during April-May 2024 as there are chances that the tournament may be shifted to UAE or another nation.
The skill level has gone up in IPL- Wayne Parnell
Wayne Parnell was having an interaction with ESPNcricinfo and recalled when he first played in IPL which was way back in 2014. Wayne Parnell stated that the game has reached a pinnacle level as we witnessed how the sides chased down big totals too easily in IPL 2023 when Parnell was with RCB and said that the skill level has gone up of the players.
“The last time I played in the IPL was in 2014, where you’d get a score of 200 every six or seven games. Now, teams are scoring 200 almost every other game and you’re also seeing those scores being chased down,” said Wayne Parnell.
“So batting-wise, the skill level has gone up. It’s as close to international cricket as you can get – more than any other league. It’s so tough and so fierce and the level of competition is very high,” he stated.
I still go out and try my best- Wayne Parnell
Wayne Parnell said that playing in different leagues is quite amazing, but at the same time pointed out that when a cricketer has kids, it puts a different spin on life. Wayne Parnell was aware of the fact that a player needs to enjoy the tournaments as the game is going to move on and won’t stop after any cricketer.
“As a younger player, playing for South Africa is the ultimate thing, or playing in the IPL is the ultimate thing. Playing in all these leagues is amazing. But when you have kids, it puts a different spin on life. Cricket is a game,” he added.
“I still go out and try my best but when I’m done playing, no one is going to think of me. The game is going to move on. There are going to be other superstars coming through. As a player you are just part of the conveyor belt, but when you are on it, you have to enjoy it,” he concluded.