2007 T20 WC win biggest reason behind IPL’s huge success: Irfan Pathan

The Indian team defeated Pakistan in the final of the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup on this day (September 24, 2007) to spark a wave of celebration. Team India had been knocked out early in the 50-over World Cup in West Indies held the same year, making this triumph all the sweeter. Former Indian fast-bowler Irfan Pathan was one of the heroes of the final, recording figures of 3/16 dismissing Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi and Yasir Arafat. Irfan believes that the triumph in the inaugural edition was extremely significant in the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“T20 WC win was instrumental in people’s mind to accept that yes T20 cricket is not a fun business, it’s a proper serious skilful cricket. Before we won the World Cup, a lot of people in India also believed that it’s just a fun cricket, just see the ball hit the ball, no technique is required. But those all theories have gone for the toss,” he said in an interaction with Crictracker.

“That’s why I believe that T20 WC win has been the biggest reason behind IPL‘s huge success. Obviously there is a different structure in IPL, foreign players play in the team. When you play for India, your own countrymen play with you. But in IPL, there are different nationalities coming together and represent an Indian domestic city,” added Irfan.

The former Indian pacer further believes that ICC took the right decision by opting to go with a super over for tied matches, in comparison to a ‘bowl out’ which was the norm previously.

“There is a contest when you are actually bowling a super over and batsman is playing. There is a bigger contest and it is much more interesting and entertaining. Yes, at that time, bowl out was interesting. But I think, nothing better than a contest between bat and ball. So whatever there is right now is much better than just hitting the stumps,” said Irfan.

MS Dhoni’s comeback as ‘mentor’ for T20 World Cup 2021

MS Dhoni, the captain of the Indian team that won the 2007 T20 World Cup has certainly retired from international cricket. However, he will be seen making a comeback in the role of a mentor for the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup. Virender Sehwag believes that the involvement of Dhoni in the role of a mentor could well benefit the Indian team to a massive extent. Sehwag played under the captaincy of Dhoni for a decade and enjoys a strong understanding about the cricketer’s strengths as a captain. The popular former cricketer believes that there cannot be a better ‘mentor’ than Dhoni when it comes to young players who often need a guide to help them express themselves on the field.

“I am very happy that MS accepted the offer to be the Team Mentor for the T20 World Cup. I know many people want that MS should again comeback into the mainstream of Indian cricket and being roped in as the mentor is the best thing that could have happened,” said Sehwag in an interaction with PTI.

“As a keeper, MS was exceptional with his understanding of field placements and this is something that will help the bowling unit in this World Cup. The bowlers can pick his brains and get useful tips on planning against a batsman. There are always players in any international side, who are shy and do hesitate to go up to their skipper and strike up a cricketing conversation. MS has always been that kind of a person who is easily approachable and also a perfect trouble shooter for youngsters,” he added.