Title: If I could change one thing in IPL, I’d change rule of releasing players every 3 yrs: Samson
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a game-changer in the world of cricket, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and earn a hefty sum. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and the IPL has its own set of rules and regulations that can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes. One such rule is the three-year cycle of releasing players, which has been a topic of debate among fans and players alike. Rajasthan Royals (RR) captain Sanju Samson has recently spoken out about this rule, stating that if he could change one thing in the IPL, he would change the rule of releasing players every three years.
Samson’s comments come after his team released Jos Buttler, a close friend and teammate, at the end of the 2022 season. The decision was met with shock and disappointment from fans and critics alike, with many questioning the logic behind releasing a player of Buttler’s caliber. In a recent interview with Moneycontrol, Samson opened up about the difficult decision and the impact it had on him.
“Letting Jos Buttler go has been one of the most challenging decisions for me. During the England series, I told him over dinner that I was still not over it,” Samson said. The emotions were raw, and Samson’s words conveyed the depth of his feeling towards his friend and teammate. The bond between Samson and Buttler is well-documented, with the duo having shared many memorable moments on and off the field.
The three-year cycle of releasing players is a rule that was introduced to give teams the flexibility to rebuild and refresh their squads. However, it has also led to situations where teams are forced to release talented players, simply because they have reached the end of their three-year contract. This rule has been criticized for being arbitrary and unfair, with many arguing that it does not take into account the player’s performance or contributions to the team.
Samson’s comments highlight the human side of the IPL, where players are not just numbers on a sheet, but individuals with emotions and relationships. The decision to release Buttler was not just a business decision, but a personal one that had a significant impact on Samson and the team. The IPL is often criticized for being too commercial and profit-driven, and Samson’s words serve as a reminder that there is more to the game than just winning and losing.
The impact of the three-year cycle on players is not limited to just the team and the player themselves. It also affects the fans, who have grown accustomed to seeing their favorite players don the colors of their team. The sudden departure of a player can be a shock, and fans are left wondering what went wrong and what the future holds for their team.
In an ideal world, Samson would not have to deal with the pain of releasing a close friend and teammate. He would be able to build a team around Buttler, and watch him grow and develop alongside his other players. However, the reality is that the three-year cycle is a rule that is here to stay, at least for now.
So, what can be done to change the rule and make it more player-friendly? One possible solution is to introduce a system where teams can retain a certain number of players from their previous squad. This would give teams more flexibility to build a core group of players and allow them to make more informed decisions about who to release and who to retain.
Another solution is to introduce a system of player auctions, where players are put up for grabs and teams can bid for their services. This would give teams more control over their squad and allow them to build a team that is tailored to their needs and strengths. The draft system currently in place is a good starting point, but it can be improved upon to make it more fair and exciting for fans.
In conclusion, Samson’s comments serve as a reminder that there is more to the IPL than just winning and losing. The three-year cycle of releasing players may have been introduced to give teams flexibility, but it has also led to situations where talented players are forced to leave their teams. As the IPL continues to evolve and grow, it is essential that the league takes a closer look at this rule and considers introducing changes that benefit both players and fans.
