Sometimes in cricket things happen that just make you happy because they show that the game isn't all about the money and the fame. It can be about loving what you do and wanting to represent your country at the highest level.
The reason for my somewhat soppy post is the news that Ryan McLaren has chosen to play for South Africa. Those of you who don't watch or follow county cricket won't have heard of him but he is incredibly talented and currently plays for Kent as a Kolpak. He still has a Kent contract but by choosing to play for South Africa he is giving up an awful lot of money to "do the right thing".
In a world run by the BCCI, TV companies and sponsors with Twenty20 being pushed down our throats whether we want it or not, the fact that he has chosen to play for his country without any guarentee of a place or a national contract is gutsy, uplifting and just plain good. I hope he gets the time in team to prove himself and get the runs and wickets he is capable of getting.
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2 comments:
Without ruining your warm and fuzzy feeling, McLaren will earn alot more if he plays for South Africa (IPL, sponsorship, international contracts) than he ever would as a kolpak for Kent.
I think the important thing is he is willing to go back and take a risk.
Yeah that's true but it depends on whether he "makes it". Which is a reasonable if given the occasionally confused state of SA cricket.
The chances of him doing well and getting an IPL contract and all the ensuing perks are pretty high though. I was a little over-excited and I tend to get a bit naive when that happens.
Would be great if he did well and other people followed his example and took a risk.
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