Restriction of number of foreign players in IPL teams...

Yesterday, me and a friend of mine has a long and idealistic discussion about whether the restriction of the no of foreign players (currently 4) in the IPL (Indian Premier League) teams is justified or not.

While he was of the view that it gives a wider scope for Indian youngsters to play alongside other talented players from around the globe, I am of the opinion that since IPL is more about the global format of Cricket and not just a launch pad for selection of Indian national team and development of youth as it is perceived. Hence, I feel that the best possible playing 11 should be played, which is more healthy for the game and it will lead to an even more improvement in the skill level of the Indian players, since then, they will have to actually fight for their place in the team which will ultimately lead to an ever increasing talent pool... (and avoid the stagnancy created by the fact that an average player takes his position in the team for granted)

In fact, when it comes to national matches, such a player will be in a better position to compete against the foreigners, since he has actually proved his mettle against the same player in IPL and was not in the playing 11 because of some restriction...

Compare IPL with EPL (yes, soccer...) and you will know that EPL, despite being the largest contributing factor for the development of English soccer, has teams like Arsenal which, at one time played 11 French guys...

This system of restriction of foreign players to 4 simply beats me, since it doesn't let the best 11 on field and thus leads to wastage of talent literally warming the bench... For ex: Scott Styris, Hershelle Gibbs have to sit out from Deccan Chargers game, while they lose against other teams!!

On the other hand, the counter argument is that if there is no such restriction, an IPL team will play only the foreign players (if it has 11), and it wont lead to any scope for Indian youth to show their talent, but at least that will provide an opportunity for development of Indian Cricket at grass root level...

Calling all cricket aficionados to please post your comments, views and issues on this burning topic by clicking HERE.