It is with interest I read the countless post and comments at the news that Brian Charles Lara, (no need to list out accolades here) "might" feature in the next IPL season, IPL 4. While I respect the views of one and all, I can't help but see the true nature of this sports forum and the number of teen users, based on their comments!!
The question here is not Lara's age or ability, some of us, not all knows what he is capable of and even Lara himself is fully aware of the requirements to be a force in the IPL and I quote "The standard of cricket being played in the IPL is pretty high, so I need to be on the top of my game before I think of joining." (Lara).
When the IPL was established it was with the foresight of bring, retired, current and persons that never played at the international level together, share knowledge and entertain, this in my mind should put to rest the comment of being a "veterans league" or bring people back from the dead, it was never established solely for the current players of International cricket!
Next "reality check", the IPL was not developed just for the sake of playing Twenty20 cricket, it is for PROFIT, and lots of it, face it, some teams are owned or co-owned by persons and groups that are known for their wealth and money, not cricketing knowledge, Forbes online term the IPL as "sports business" and it listed by them as the 4th Hottest sporting properties, the IPL more than anything is a business, a very profitable one and the already rich owners are never and will never be satisfied with enough profits, thus the name of Brian Charles Lara, it will sell tickets, merchandise, more television space and rights, and every other aspects of that business that will make money.
Lara may or may not feature, and if he does he may or may not play, however if he does I wish him well and while his part in the IPL might have little to no impact on West Indies cricket, the IPL might just corner another market in the Caribbean, namely Trinidad and Guyana because of the large Indian population, again more money and profits because that is what it is all about.
And for those who think he will get into it for the money, so what, who would not, every big name England, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, West Indies, did I miss any, oh and Indian player that is in the IPL is in it for the money, in fact current well known international players are even calling for ICC to create a "window" and schedule the IPL as part of it matches annually, if am not mistaken, the IPL pays based on the number of matches one actually plays, I wonder that is the reason a "window" is being asked for by current players. Symonds must have been a happy man when he was dumped by his Board back then.
So Brian Lara in the IPL just means more money, for ALL, including Lara, who by the way is not without monies of his own, thanks to his many investments and endorsements. Like I said if he does play it would be great to see for me, many West Indians and am sure by countless many out there in the world of cricket!