T20 leagues need Indian representation: Lara

New Delhi: After a highly successful first season, the second season of the GT20 league will get underway on July 25 and continue till August 11 with 22 matches to be played, including three play-off games and a final. While the BCCI is still very particular about not letting contracted Indian players playing in any T20 league, apart from the IPL, GT20 brand ambassador Brian Lara feels there is need to change for the good of the gentleman's game.

Lara said while every nation is bound to have its own policies, having the talented and attractive Indian players playing in leagues like the GT20 would help the budding players in those countries grow. "I am not being critical of the BCCI or their cricketers, but the world needs to see some of the great cricketers from India playing here as well. I dunno where that stands. No hiding the fact that the Indian cricketers are the most attractive players. It will be great to see the players from different countries coming together and playing in these leagues. It helps the game and one of my own jobs is to get into schools and see if we can help them play the game," he explained. Lara made no bones about the fact that while he loved playing Test cricket, the present generation of fans love the short and sweet version of T20 cricket.

"T20 is the only format. The game has evolved and I didn't play T20 cricket. I played Test cricket and I enjoyed that and won't change anything. But T20 is the only format that is actually going to make a difference. It will help take the game into countries that are now playing for the first time. It is a short and exciting version."