I wouldn't mind having a crack at IPL: Steve Waugh

Australian legend Steve Waugh talks to MiD DAY about his IPL itch and his connection with a controversial mobile game which pundits believe will lead to match-fixing in cricket

Australian legend Steve Waugh talks to MiD DAY about his IPL itch and his connection with a controversial mobile game which pundits believe will lead to match-fixing in cricket

IT'S been five years since Steve Waugh (nicknamed Tugga) played competitive cricket, but he wouldn't mind being seen wielding his willow again. Waugh, who wore the baggy green from 1985-86 to 2003-04 told MiD DAY

Steve Waugh

from America last night that he is kicked by the Indian Premier League and wouldn't mind having a crack but wondered which team would pick him.

Even at 43, Waugh wouldn't be a misfit. Admirers of his captaincy reckon he would be a fine leader, who could have a Shane Warne-like effect on young players even if his batting and bowling skills would be understandably blunted.

Indirectly, Waugh has got himself associated with the IPL by supporting 6UP, a mobile game for spectators who can win prizes for predicting what happens in an over. The game has come under the hammer from experts, who reckon it would lead to match-fixing. It has also attracted the ire of sports minister MS Gill.

MiD DAY spoke to Waugh on the mobile game and the influence the IPL is having on world cricket.

Excerpts from an interview:

What's your role in the mobile game concept?
I like the concept. I have invested some money in the company. Primarily, I am interested in the charity aspect of it. It gives me an opportunity to launch my global philanthropy programme.

With that comes a percentage of revenues. Each time someone plays the game, a percentage will go to my global charity which helps projects directly relating to India. I'm interested in the philanthropic angle, which PlayUp (firm) provides.

So, will Udayan benefit from this?
Yes, most definitely. That's the first priority I have in mind. My continuation has been 11 years now.

Are you surprised by the adverse reaction to the mobile game by experts and even India's sports minister?
People will always have an adverse reaction when they see something like this without knowing exactly what it is. That's understandable. I think people associate such types of games sometimes with something that might go wrong in the game.

There have been a lot of problems in the past so automatically they think this will create problems. But I don't see it that way. I see it as a fun element of the game that's going to add something for the spectator. It's pretty interactive so it's a great learning experience. There is trivia u00e2u0080u0093 it's fun and it's about playing against someone else and testing your skill.

Did you read what ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat said recently about T20 cricket being a hub which could attract match-fixing?
Look, I don't necessarily agree with that. Match-fixing has been a problem for quite a while. I don't see this increasing match-fixing. Definitely, the player won't because you can't determine the full outcome of one over.

You can determine the outcome of one ball but not the whole over. I don't see it being an issue with match-fixing.

It's human nature that people will be involved in these sorts of things. It has happened in cricket in the past and probably will happen in the future but it's really up to the authorities to make sure that they are doing their best to ensure this does not happen.

At the end of the day, the players have to look at themselves in the mirror and make sure they are doing the right thing.

How have you been following the IPL?
I followed it closely when I was in India last week because you get to watch two games a day. In Australia, it's much more difficult because it's on late at night so you don't get to see much of it.

It's a great concept and it has worked well. It's pretty amazing how it was transferred to South Africa within two weeks. Not only has it been held very well, but also it's amazing how successful it has been. The IPL has created a lot interest in South Africa and it's a great thing for their cricket. Matty Hayden has been the player of the series so far.

On the lighter side, do you feel tempted to have a go after watching the likes of Warne, Gilchrist, Hayden in full flow?
I'm 43 but wouldn't mind having a crack at it. I think I'll go okay but I am not sure if any side is desperate to take me.

You are under-estimating yourself...
Look, maybe I could, maybe I couldn't. I don't think I'll get the opportunity mate (laughs). I would love to play it. It's a test of your different skills that's why it will be fantastic to play.

Can you elaborate on the good and bad aspects of the IPL and 20-20cricket in general?
The good part is that it's spreading the game globally and it's creating an opportunity for young followers of the game to seek cricket as a career path. In the past, very few cricketers played professionally.

Now, there are probably a thousand cricketers around the world who see this as a genuine career option.

That's pretty exciting. It will open up new markets like China and America. It's good for the spectators, for players and administrators. Financially, it's been a real boon to everyone.

The downside I guess is the players will forget about the true essence of the game, which is Test match cricket. They've got to make sure that Test, ODI and T20 cricket live in harmony. Going forward, balance will be the key and there is potentially a danger that T20 cricket takes over everything. There is a temptation.

There's a lot of money, a lot of rewards and people seem to love it. But let's not forget Test match cricket. That is the one danger lurking.