IPL franchise teams rarely look outside of the established test playing nations. Cricketers from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, England and the West Indies tend to make up the bulk of the overseas imports.
As the sport continues to develop all over the world, maybe it’s time for those teams to spread their net a little wider. Associate nations now feature some top class talent and any of the following five players could well do a job in the 2023 IPL.
Teams in Contention
After the tournament was expanded to ten teams in 2022, there was a greater need for players from outside of India. For the next IPL season, those ten teams remain and early betting markets show that defending champions the Gujarat Titans are favourites to retain the trophy.
Mumbai Indians are just behind while the chasing pack includes Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. With several months until the first ball is bowled in anger, there is room for those figures to adjust.
Odds are supplied by the best sports betting sites in India, as sourced by Asiabet, and any amendments will be immediately available. Alongside those betting markets, the site also publishes breaking news, opinion and some useful guides.
Anybody reading that information is welcome to take their knowledge further if they wish to do so. All of the betting operators referenced by Asiabet are ready to take on new customers, subject to eligibility requirements and a completed online form.
Once the process has been completed, many sites list a generous welcome bonus. A varying selection of deposit providers can help with initial funds, while customer services can step in if needed.
Those who choose to play on a long term basis may be able to access additional benefits. Sportsbooks will generally publish ongoing promos and there should be live markets and mobile betting.
The website has told us about the favourites for IPL glory, but the teams in greater need of reinforcements are those at the bottom of the markets. Could Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders or Punjab Kings make a swoop for any of the following players at the next auction?
Harry Tector
A hard hitting batter who plays his cricket for Ireland, Harry Tector already has experience of franchise cricket. He was signed by the Barbados Royals for the 2022 edition of the Caribbean Premier League and he should enjoy more opportunities in the future.
Tector is a fast scorer and he has a good strike rate, but he just needs to turn those quick starts into big scores.
Max O’Dowd
Born in New Zealand, Max O’Dowd is enjoying an impressive career with the Netherlands at the top of the order. He’s a batter who can score quickly during the Powerplay overs and he has enjoyed some success against the major national teams.
O’Dowd has a highest score in T20is of 133 from number six and that’s a record for any player coming in at that position.
David Wiese
All-Rounder David Wiese is no stranger to the IPL. As a South African international, he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore. He’s now registered with the Namibian national team and is still turning in some important displays with bat and ball.
He’s 37 now but Wiese remains as one of the best finishers in world cricket.
Babar Hayat
Hong Kong’s Babar Hayat was one of the few standout players for his side at the 2022 Asia Cup. He’s been talked of as a possible call up to big international tournaments, but nothing has materialised as yet.
Hayat is another player with a big score in this format. Playing for Hong Kong against Oman in 2016, he blasted 122 from just 60 deliveries.
Paul Stirling
It’s back to Ireland now for our final pick and Paul Stirling may have the best claim to an IPL contract. He’s been a devastating opening batter across many franchise tournaments and has played in the CPL, the BPL and the T20 Blast in England.
Stirling has the capability of turning fast starts into seriously big scores. His statistics show that he has four centuries in T20s including a best of 119 from 51 balls for the Birmingham Bears.
