IPL has contributed to growth of quality players in New Zealand: Selector Gavin Larsen

The decision to create a separate window for IPL has played a massive role in qualitative growth of New Zealand cricketers, feels former seamer and current national selector Gavin Larsen.

Larsen and coach Gary Stead (also chief selector) form the two-member panel which looks after the development of the country's players and the cricket board has ensured that IPL is a part of that plan.

"It's very clear. Its highlighted in our Master Agreement (MA) that IPL window must be available for our players if they do get picked up by a franchise," Larsen, who featured regularly in New Zealand's ODI team of 90's, told PTI in an exclusive interview.

"When our players are picked up by IPL franchise, they can only develop their game. We are seeing some of the results that have come in terms of Players' improvement which has been a fantastic part of cricket growth."
"Definitely, part of the role to continually monitor the group of players, both guys who are incumbent Black Caps and those who are in the ranks, to make sure they are managed appropriately, they are working on their games. IPL is a part of that."
"The problem in NZ is that domestic cricketers are contracted for only seven months a year and for the rest of the five months, they leave their associations and go off to the United Kingdom to play county or club cricket to make their ends meet."
"I met Wrighty (nickname) in Lincoln where India A was playing and he came to have a look at some of his (MI) players (Krunal Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav). It was great speaking to him. Tactical stuff, some players we saw in IPL. He was interested in catching up as to how some of our young players are doing."
"Perhaps, we need to sit back and just work on who could be our best option. Frankly, if I don't see any Super Over for next five to 10 years, I will be very happy."