In recent years, the popularity of cricket in New Zealand has reached new heights. According to figures, there are over 100,00 registered players in the country, making it the biggest summer sport ahead of both golf and tennis. Although rugby retains its status as New Zealand’s most popular game, several Black Caps members are undoubtedly helping to raise the profile of local cricket through participating in domestic competitions on the global stage. Since 2015, the Indian Premier League has provided the foundations for the country’s top-level players to showcase their talent. Therefore, let’s take a look at the relationship between the IPL and New Zealand cricket.
The League Only Benefits New Zealand’s Cricket Scene
Since coming to fruition in 2008, the IPL has become a globally-watched domestic cricket competition that features many of the world’s best players. Along with there being numerous Australian participants, such as David Warner, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins, several Kiwis representatives have also graced the competition. Between 2011 and 2019, Tim Southee played for the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Although he isn’t featuring in the 2020 IPL, Kane Williamson and Trent Boult are taking to the field for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians, respectively.
According to Gavin Larsen, the Black Caps’ current team selector, the quality of New Zealand’s cricketers has risen because of the IPL. By his own admission, selection for the tournament “can only develop their game”, according to a report by the Times of India. From a performance standpoint, it’s notable that the IPL has benefitted some of the country’s pivotal players, including Boult and Williamson. This is evident by the fact that both cricketers have played in the last five editions of the IPL.
Leading by Example
One of the main reasons that both Boult and Williamson continue to be signed by numerous IPL teams revolves around their development. The two Black Caps players are among the best in the world in their respective roles. At the time of writing, and according to the official ICC one-day international rankings, Boult is the globe’s top bowler with a score of 722, ahead of Jasprit Bumrah, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Chris Woakes, and others. At the same format, Williamson is a top-six batsman with a 765 rating, surpassing Aaron Finch, David Warner, and Quinton de Kock.
With the IPL now in the latter stages, the race for the purple cap is on, with a number of contenders seeking to clinch the accolade. Of those, Boult is in the hunt. If the 31-year-old could take the crown and help drive the Mumbai Indians to back-to-back IPL wins, then it will be a reflection of the competition’s impact on his overall game. As of October 21st, Boult is 20/1 in the cricket betting to be the IPL’s top bowler come the end of the 2020 season.
A Sign of What’s to Come?
While, of course, Boult, Williamson, and Southee aren’t the only high-level cricketers in New Zealand, their sustained participation in the IPL should give encouragement as to the direction that the country’s cricket sector is heading in. With registered participation figures totalling 100,000, the relationship between the IPL and New Zealand could grow stronger in the coming years as further local players burst onto the scene.
