IPL: Best in the world?

OK, so the Indian Premier League is virtually here in South Africa and there is something of a buzz. The excitement created by circus coming to town saw an even bigger interest in the T20 Internationals played over the weekend.

One would think that the economic recession would bite the franchises and see them be a bit more selective with their spending. Even before a six has been launched into the stands, two signings have taken place. Fair enough, the experienced Charl Langeveldt (34) whom Derbyshire "reluctantly" let go for 3 championship games and 8 one day domestics.

Then, the flavour of the month, sorry - week, sorry - past weekend. Roelof van der Merwe gets contracted to Bangalore. He might an exciting player in the domestic game. But I don't know if it warrants contracting. He's unconventional, "hits funny areas" and is a bit of a gimmick. Just like the IPL.

So with regard to Van Der Merwe, Tyron Henderson, Ryan McLaren and all the other Indian players who don't represent their countries and make up the very large Franchise squads (20 plus players) - I don't see why I should pay money to see this.

Last week one of the prominent South African players, who played in last year's tournament, said that with so many internationals in the squads, how many will actually be playing in the games? "With squads so big, you'll have some pretty damn good players on the bench" to paraphrase him. Franchises have to play some of the "local" Indian players - it is after all the "Indian Premier League". I don't see why I should spend money to see this. I want to see the best in the world. That's why I will spend money to see international cricket.

If the IPL is to be the best in the world - then just get the best players in world. I would imagine that they already play in national teams.

Drop the Indian name, drop the unknown players and spend your money on 15 decent internationals. Change the name and call it the 20/20 Premier League. Maybe then I would pay money to see this. Otherwise, I am not playing at this wide one.