Australian cricketers 'sucked up' to Kohli to save IPL deals: Michael Clarke
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Australian cricketers "sucked up" to India and Virat Kohli by holding back on verbal sledging to protect lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) deals, according to former Australia captain Michael Clarke.
Clarke said players were "too scared" to play a normal game against India because of the influence of the world's wealthiest cricket tournament.
"Everybody knows how powerful India are in regards to the financial part of the game, internationally or domestically with the IPL," Clarke said on Sky Racing television.
"I feel that Australian cricket, and probably every other team over a little period, went the opposite and actually sucked up to India.
"They were too scared to sledge Kohli or the other Indian players," he said, referring to the verbal sparring that often takes place on the pitch.
Australian players have attracted big money since the IPL started in 2008. Paceman Pat Cummins is the most expensive overseas star this year with Kolkata Knight Riders paying $2.17 million.
The contest has been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic and the league must announce soon whether it will be held at all.
The league was due to feature top internationals including England's Ben Stokes and David Warner of Australia.
Clarke, who played for the now-defunct Pune Warriors in 2012, said Australian players coveted the million-dollar deals on offer.
"The players were like: 'I'm not going to sledge Kohli, I want him to pick me for Bangalore so I can make my $1 million for my six weeks'."
"I feel like that's where Australia went through that little phase where our cricket become a little bit softer or not as hard as we're accustomed to seeing."
The league is a huge revenue earner for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is estimated to generate more than $11 billion for the Indian economy.
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Comments (79) Closed
Apr 07, 2020 03:31pm
Question for Mr Clarke is "Had you done same when you were playing cricket"? If yes, keep quite, if NO, slap your face as probably many of these players are even more patriotic than you..which probably you are unaware.
It is very easy to judge/pass on comments when you are not playing sports anymore and frustrated to stay relevant...
Chill Mate !
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Apr 07, 2020 03:32pm
Everybody knows that in today's capitalistic world, money walks, money rocks, money talks, money mocks and often stalks.
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Apr 07, 2020 03:35pm
Indian market, Indian product, Indian money so the profit.
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Apr 07, 2020 03:52pm
It is Virat Kohli charisma and reputation in the cricket World because of which cricketers all around the world repects him. Don;t blame it on King Kohli. It is Austrian players's greed.
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Apr 07, 2020 03:52pm
Brave of Clarke to say that.
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Apr 07, 2020 04:01pm
When money enters the game of cricket, the lords walk out.
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Apr 07, 2020 04:10pm
India is the sole super power of cricket. Nothing moves without it. A fact hard for some to digest.
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Apr 07, 2020 04:27pm
Not sledging is not sucking up. Its how the gentleman's game is and should be played.
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Apr 07, 2020 04:27pm
Why same is not happening for PSL.. Everybody direspects pakistani cricketers for their involvement in fixing racket
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Apr 07, 2020 04:33pm
We had enough crickets...lets focus and invest in other sporting activities that are played by most nations unlike cricket.
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Apr 07, 2020 04:44pm
That was obvious. The whole cricketing world started calling Tendulkar the best ever for the exact same reason.
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Apr 07, 2020 04:45pm
No surprises there. IPL is nothing but a gamblers game with paid off players. It has nothing to do with real cricket - just a money making machine. It's a disgrace to real cricket. How the ICC overlooks this is beyond belief - o, sorry, BCCI is one of the major stakeholders in ICC. Money talks, you know what walks.
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Apr 07, 2020 04:49pm
Thats the money power and probably the reason why Indian cricket team is dominating most of the formats they have edge over every team due to IPL and BCCI influence on every matter of the game from game officials to matches broadcasting rights etc.
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Apr 07, 2020 04:56pm
This means the Indian team is as mediocre as it was in the 1990s and it is just buying its victories in international cricket. This is absolutely true. The likes of Devilliers, Steyn and Warner try too hard to befriend Kohli and Indian players and go very soft when playing against them.
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Apr 07, 2020 05:05pm
Looks like he thinks sledging is the only way Aussies win. What He doesn't understand is what goes around comes around with Kohli.
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Apr 07, 2020 05:07pm
money corrupts and no one is infallible.
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Apr 07, 2020 05:08pm
@Talha, as long as not cheating.
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Apr 07, 2020 05:10pm
Today conditions is very bad for cornavirus I hope till 15th April condition is controlable so ipl start otherwise govt of India and bcci stop this year ipl .human lives are most important
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Apr 07, 2020 05:29pm
@Talha, then why do Pakistan fail against the Indian team frequently, last 3 matches lost. Mediocre? If it is mediocre than what is Pak team a minnow
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Apr 07, 2020 05:35pm
Truth hurts, doesn't it?
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Apr 07, 2020 05:38pm
@Tariq Rashid,
Is THAT the reason Pakistan team loses to India most of the time these days? Because they want to play IPL?
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Apr 07, 2020 05:51pm
@Ali da Malanga,
If that is the truth, what it means is that Michael Clarke is saying the Aussies win because they sledge, and now that they don't sledge, they are losing. Why should Indians be hurt by Aussies not winning becausethey can't / won't sledge?
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Apr 07, 2020 05:54pm
@Rajvir Singh,
Pakistan still leads India overall- Tests AND ODIs. Pakistan rules.
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Apr 07, 2020 06:00pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, Except you
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Apr 07, 2020 06:16pm
@Talha, do you include The Pakistan team too
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Apr 07, 2020 06:26pm
@Talha,
I would just like you to Google top 10 players in T20,ODI and Test rankings and also teams.
You will face truth.
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Apr 07, 2020 06:26pm
Pakistan does not play in the IPL, how come they lose most of the times when playing against India, if the IPL is the cause.
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Apr 07, 2020 06:29pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, vain attempt to rhythm everything but it make no sense as usual!
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Apr 07, 2020 06:33pm
@Fastrack, Big deal. soon or later that lead will be gone.
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Apr 07, 2020 06:37pm
Go watch Amazon Prime series about Australian cricket. It tells why they didn't sledge Kohli. Need subscription to Prime
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Apr 07, 2020 06:43pm
@J, Sledging is quite inveterate to Aussie players.
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Apr 07, 2020 06:48pm
BCCI ruined the game of Cricket , they have done nothing for promoting the game but to serve give India team most favorable conditions for wins
IPL is corrupt and have ruined the game , good to see Clark stepped up and pointed out this undermining of the game and spirit
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Apr 07, 2020 06:58pm
People should do the right thing and say the right thing. It is a shame that money is given so much more importance that it deserves. These type of behavior from influential players adversely affect the moral compass of the world.
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Apr 07, 2020 07:01pm
@Tariq Rashid, Great that you now agree India dominates! West indies doesnot have that much money but they dominate T20 they are T20 champs! Domination in field cannot be brought in by money!
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Apr 07, 2020 07:08pm
What is an IPL? Never heard of that
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Apr 07, 2020 07:12pm
If the Aussie are put in their place then its ok. Cricket was a gentlemen's game until Aussies started the aggressive side
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Apr 07, 2020 07:13pm
Sucking up does not mean players under performed and those lost matches. He was indicating a less aggressive behavior and lack of sledging.
But finally someone dared to speak truth. It's not a mystery anymore that BCCI is controlling ICC and doing a good job of ruining the game of cricket.
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Apr 07, 2020 07:25pm
@M. Saeed, Money was always there buddy, nobody is playing there to passing his time.
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Apr 07, 2020 07:28pm
What a shame, how the Bharat cricket is blackmailing the cricket world.
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Apr 07, 2020 07:46pm
Good for the subcontinent!
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Apr 07, 2020 08:00pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, yes money talks which your country doesn't have.
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Apr 07, 2020 08:37pm
Thanks to India/BCCI in efforts to eradicate sledging from cricket... Well done....
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Apr 07, 2020 08:37pm
this is very bad for any game, theses are the reasons cricket not flourishing. ICC should promote only cricket , without serve any country ,and play positive role in development of the game
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Apr 07, 2020 08:42pm
Aussies are worst when it comes to sledging... thats why I never liked Ponting, McGrath, Warne irrespective of there numbers/stats.
People like Kane Williamson, MS Dhoni, Younis Khan, Inzi, Dravid have shown the world that you can be humble yet excellent cricketer...
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Apr 07, 2020 09:00pm
@rajaone, If that is the case, why do pakistani players die to play in IPL?
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Apr 07, 2020 09:08pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad, you are wrong mr Salaria , still mostly people play for game. ,
How about you , only work for money
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Apr 07, 2020 09:09pm
Michael Clarke - When did sledging become part of a gentleman's game? You Aussies have spoilt the game to the extent that you think it's a normal thing.
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Apr 07, 2020 09:11pm
Much less than the sucking Pakistan gives to China
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Apr 07, 2020 09:14pm
@Waseem Sarwar, IPL is where any player get the contract money almost equivalent to the whole budget of PSL
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Apr 07, 2020 09:16pm
It’s a good thing if Australian limited sledging as they were stooping too low in last decade or so. There philosophy of winning by any means resulted in ball tampering by Smith, Warner, etc. Smith also tried to look to the pavilion for indications for going for third umpire or not in one of the match. Overall good outcome.
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Apr 07, 2020 09:36pm
Truth be told.Bravo Clarke.No need to get upset or justify.About time someone had courage to say facts.
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Apr 07, 2020 10:06pm
@Umesh, No Pakistani player is dying to play Bollywood cricket called IPL. In fact calling IPL cricket is an insult to the gentlemen's game of cricket.
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Apr 07, 2020 11:18pm
Oh so you can't win unless you sledge..!!!! Look what is he complaining about
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Apr 07, 2020 11:38pm
@Talha, ...and I suppose in your convoluted world PSL is the real cricket, is it? If offers are made, every Pakistani cricket will join the IPL instantly....there is no way they will let go that kind of money, considering the current state of the PCB.
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Apr 07, 2020 11:41pm
@Waseem Sarwar, good for you. Stay safe in caves!
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Apr 08, 2020 12:08am
Good to note that Australian players have a price, next time bookers will take this factor into account before they submit their bids
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Apr 08, 2020 01:56am
This is contemporary 'match fixing' for which each player should be penalized. You are NOT a cricketer if you play based on fear, fear of not being selected and losing money. What a shame!
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Apr 08, 2020 02:00am
First time someone spoke about demerits of money in IPL. Some day we will hear match fixing in IPL also.
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Apr 08, 2020 02:07am
@Talha, ...another question for you....Do you consider the sledging used by the Aussies for over past two decades a gentlemen behavior? In a rush to pass criticism towards India, you are choosing to ignore the facts plus the current and historical behavior of the Aussies in the game of cricket. India has used its financial position in the ICC to deter the Aussies from using their aggressive and unacceptable behavior on the field. Now the Aussies find it difficult to win without sledging and so they're crying....well that is too bad, now isn't it?
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Apr 08, 2020 02:46am
Money and power are two sides of the same coin. The reason Aussies and English players could sledge the others earlier, was their hold on more money and power as compared to what the rest others had with them in the bygone era. The tables have turned now, and instead of the Indians seeking acceptance from the white world, it's the vice versa these days. So what is so surprising about it?!
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Apr 08, 2020 03:55am
So Aussies can win only if they sledge!
No wonder they are the most unpopular, unloved and boorish team playing any sport today.
Ban all Aussies from the IPL and when it hurts their hip pocket they will immediately come to their senses.
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Apr 08, 2020 04:40am
Truth comes out.
Kudos to Michael Clarke for having the guts to speak up.
BCCI and IPL have really become a mafia, almost a cancer on the gentleman’s game.
But to be fair, ECB and ACB have also benefited from this ‘unholy’ alliance.
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Apr 08, 2020 06:43am
@Talha, then why does Pakistan looses to india? They are also paid off by BCCI?
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Apr 08, 2020 07:19am
Cricket is most popular in sport in India, but not in Australia. So the difference.
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Apr 08, 2020 07:49am
Keep allegations away from sport. Can Mr. Clarke prove his claim?
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Apr 08, 2020 07:53am
Probably angry after not getting invited for commentary
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Apr 08, 2020 08:40am
Finances are built on cricket, if the financial aspects starts damaging cricket itself, it's like digging your own grave.
Focus must remain on cricket, BCCI's unhealthy obsession with its financial clout will prove damaging in the long run.
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Apr 08, 2020 09:23am
@Waseem Sarwar, Looks like you woke up from a long coma
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Apr 08, 2020 10:55am
@Waseem Sarwar, heard about PSL?
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Apr 08, 2020 03:40pm
@Mansur Ul Haque, "First time someone spoke about demerits of money in IPL. Some day we will hear match fixing in IPL also."
Yup. Until then Pakistan international team will gives us plenty of stories about their match fixing. Giving away matches for a few 100$.
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Apr 08, 2020 04:44pm
Looks like Pup didn't get IPL commentary contract. Waiting for ex Australian ( Warne, Punter) players reaction
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Apr 08, 2020 04:56pm
Poor Australians!
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Apr 08, 2020 04:56pm
What about the praise from Pakistani Cricket players and Pakistani ex cricketers. They are not playing IPL or in IPL commentary panel. They do praise a lot of Kohli and Rohit. Clarke is simply preparing Australian players to go hard on Kohli for the upcoming tour at year end. Its gonna be a ripper of tour for Kohli and India.
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Apr 08, 2020 05:59pm
So Australians are willing to sell out their nation for money, and will purposefully not play to the best of their ability when representing their nation against India?
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Apr 08, 2020 06:55pm
@Talha, : It is very difficult to some people to get reconciled to the fact that cricketers from all over the world make their millions while they are totally kept out.
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Apr 08, 2020 08:00pm
Grapes are sour when in the hands of some one else.
Why Australian didn’t play as gentleman then and now?
It’s not VK but whole Indian fans of cricket pays to outsiders too.
Hope such player donate their money to poor suffering in India due to loss of work and wages in such tough time rather than discussing sledging.
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Apr 08, 2020 09:05pm
@Vishesh, Well said
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Apr 08, 2020 09:14pm
They did not suck up to Kholi they sucked up to mighty dollar
Old English proverb money make the Meyer go
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Apr 08, 2020 10:51pm
Its sad what is happening to this game. Money, commercialization, interests. Where is talent in all this
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