Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi shared his opinion regarding the recent report in New Zealand media which raised concerns over fewer chances for their star players in the ongoing 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
New Zealand's top media outlet, Stuff, reported that their star players are being sidelined in the IPL ahead of ICC World Cup 2023 in India.
Apart from Devon Conway (nine innings) and Trent Boult (seven matches), six of the New Zealand top players haven't played more than three matches.
New Zealand players so far in IPL 16
Devon Conway (Chennai Super Kings): 9 innings, 414 runs at an average of 59.14, Strike Rate 144.25.
Mitchell Santner (CSK): 3 games, 2 runs from four balls (2 not outs); 3 wickets at 27, ER 6.75.
Lockie Ferguson (Kolkata Knight Riders): 3 games, 1 wicket at 96.00, ER 12.52.
Tim Southee (KKR): 2 games, 2 wickets at 39.50, ER 13.16.
Trent Boult (Rajasthan Royals): 7 games, 10 wickets at 23.40, ER 8.35.
Finn Allen (Royal Challengers Bangalore): No games.
Michael Bracewell (RCB): 2 games, 1 innings, 19 runs at 19, SR 105.55; 2 wickets at 25, ER 10.
Glenn Phillips (Sunrisers Hyderabad): 1 game, 8 runs, SR 133.33.
While responding to this report, Sodhi, speaking to Karachi media on Tuesday at National Stadium, said that it's a good sign that 20-25 New Zealand players are playing in subcontinent at once ahead of World Cup in India.
"I think both opportunities provide great benefit to the players. The World Cup is going to be in India, so the players playing there [IPL] would be benefitted with the conditions there," he said.
"I think, equally it's a great chance for other guys to put their name up for getting selected in the squad for later part of this year. It's very rare for New Zealand that 20-25 players are playing in subcontinent, all at once. This will only benefit our players as a whole and in a world cup year, we are very fortunate to be able to do that," he added.
New Zealand's star players missed the ongoing Pakistan tour due to IPL commitment. Their regular captain Kane Williamson also pulled out from Pakistan tour due to the cash-rich league. The Kiwi captain suffered knee injury during first few matches and ruled out not only from IPL but his participation in World Cup is also unlikely.