Ryan Campbell was enjoying his life as a radio jockey and as the host of a travel show after retirement from a 12-year-long cricket career
AHMEDABAD: Ryan Campbell was enjoying his life as a radio jockey and as the host of a travel show after retirement from a 12-year-long cricket career for Western Australia. Though life was moving on, he missed the zing.
So once he got a call from the Indian Cricket League (ICL) it was difficult for him to say no. He grabbed the opportunity with both hands. “I ended my cricket career two years back. My life is full of fun. I am with a radio channel. My job is to talk and crack jokes and provide my listeners with great music. Though I was having fun as an RJ, cricket commentating and a travel show, I missed playing the sport too. One day I got a call from ICL and I could not resist it. I spoke to Damien (Martyn) about it and he was like ‘Come on mate it’s fun’. Now I am here playing for Ahmedabad Rockets,” he told DNA.
The 36-year-old is enjoying playing for Rockets and is quite thrilled with the young talent in India.
“I have played in front of 40,000 people but playing for Ahmedabad here feels like playing at home. The crowd has been very supportive and it doesn’t matter to them whether I am from India or Australia. The only thing which excites them is that I am playing for their team,” said Ryan.
“The Indian players are quite talented. The Aussies have the attitude and hunger to win no matter what. They put in that extra effort. Now I am seeing these qualities in the young local players. The best thing about them is that they are always keen to learn. Who will be better guides than senior blokes like Damien Martyn, Heath Streak, Jason Gillespie?” added Campbell.
He started his career with football but switched to cricket soon. “I loved football but once I got the taste of cricket I could not think beyond that.”
The 36-year-old is upset with the way ICL players are being treated by the BCCI. “I think this is not right. It is not common sense to ban players. It is just like one of the Leagues. I don’t think any issue should be made out of this.
With his girlfriend in town, Ryan is planning a visit to the Taj Mahal. “It is quite a romantic place. I hope she likes it,” he grinned.
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