The IPL has attracted new audience to the game with its action-packed Twenty20 format and the spectators would embrace Test and one-day cricket as well, hopes David Morgan.
MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has attracted new audiences to the game with its action-packed Twenty20 format and the spectators would embrace Test and one-day cricket as well, hopes ICC President-elect David Morgan.
Speaking at the closing ceremony before the commencement of the IPL final at the D Y Patil Stadium on Sunday, Morgan lavished praise on the BCCI and said the cash-awash Twenty20 extravaganza backed by it had changed the face of domestic cricket across the world.
"I'm proud that Twenty20, a format first developed by the England and Wales Cricket Board had such a widespread appeal, bringing in new, wider and young audience, which ICC welcomes. We at the ICC hope that the new spectators will come to love
other formats of the game as well," Morgan said.
"The IPL has changed the face of domestic cricket around the world and has provided opportunities for other cricket playing nations (to take it forward). It has got widespread appeal and has attracted new audiences to the game," he Morgan said.
According to Morgan, cricket is unique in the sense it can boast of three different formats.
"Cricket is fortunate to possess three properties -- Twenty20, which thrilled so many people, one-day cricket which is equally thrilling and Test cricket, the pinnacle. In fact, last week all three formats were evident with two great Test matches in Kingston and Manchester," he said.
Morgan praised the BCCI and IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi for making the event a grand success.
"I want to thank the BCCI and the IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi for the success of the DLF IPL," said Morgan who is to take over as ICC president in June.
BCCI chief Sharad Pawar also praised the IPL for the opportunities it has given to several young Indian players to catch the attention of the game's multitude of fans in the country and overseas.
"Many families in India have sat together and watched IPL games. It has given a golden opportunity to so many young Indian players. I thank the ICC for having accepted the IPL and the support they have given to this concept," said Pawar who will take over the reins from Morgan after the Englishman completes two years at the helm of ICC.
IPL chairman and commissioner Modi appreciated the support from the various sponsors of the tournament, the state associations, D Y Patil stadium authorities and especially the public for making the tournament a huge success.
"Cricket fans in India have different teams to support as well as Team India (in international cricket)," he said.
The speeches of the three cricket administrators were followed by a 45-minute closing ceremony which included performances by Bollywood star Salman Khan and Mumbai folk dancers, trampoline acrobatics, laser show and paragliding before the match commenced.
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