Legendary Sri Lanka Muttiah Muralitharan bats for an IPL team from Kerala

Legendary Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan stressed the need for increased investment in cricket development in Kerala. He also asked for the establishment of an IPL franchise in the state.

Returning to Kerala on Sunday, the former Sri Lanka cricketer paid a visit to the Palace Oval Ground in Thrippunithura, where the district sound of cricket balls meeting the bat was recorded for his biopic film ‘800,’ released in October.

Muralitharan, Test cricket’s all-time highest wicket-taker, believes that having an IPL franchise in Kerala would significantly contribute to the state’s growth in cricket.

The state has produced talented individuals, like Sanju Samson, but has not yet made its mark in the cricketing ecosystem in the country.

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Muralitharan, who had previously been a part of the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers in the IPL 2011 season, expressed a deep connection with the state.

He acknowledged that football enjoys greater popularity in Kerala and highlighted the disparity in crowd enthusiasm between his time with Kochi Tuskers and the current vibrant atmosphere during the ISL football matches.

“Football is more popular in Kerala. When I played for Kochi Tuskers we didn’t have the same vibe in the gallery that the current ISL side enjoys. Clubs like Tripunithura Cricket Club should come forward and promote cricket in the state,” Muralitharan was quoted as saying by Times of India.

He spoke about the missed opportunity in 2011, when Kochi was part of the IPL for just one year. He urged clubs like TCC to come forward and advocate for the establishment of an IPL franchise in Kerala, foreseeing the positive impact it would have on the budding cricketers in the region.

“In 2011, we played only for a year, which was unfortunate for Kerala cricket. Because if you have an IPL team, the cricketers in the state will blossom. TCC should put pressure on the cricket authorities in the state to try and get an IPL team for Kerala,” he added.

Muralitharan also spoke with young cricketers while reminiscing about his time with the Sri Lankan team and the experience of winning the 1996 World Cup.