With all the big cricket leagues around the world, I am starting to wonder where players’ loyalties lie.
I know when I was growing up I always wanted to play for my provincial side – Eastern Province. That was my dream and I couldn’t see myself playing in any other uniform but the red and black of Eastern Province.
Just as I was old enough the whole structure changed in South African cricket and they brought the franchise system into place, merging two teams into one.
My franchise became the Warriors, who play in black and lime green. My boyhood dream of playing in black and red was over.
I recently watched the Big Bash League final between the Scorchers and the Hurricanes and was fascinated by one player in particular – Alfonso Thomas.
I looked up to Thomas, a player who played the majority of his cricket in South Africa and during his off-season would go play in the UK.
When the IPL started he would make his services available and would play over there for six weeks and earn some serious cash, then return the England to finish off his contract over with his county side.
In recent years, however, he gave up the chance to play in a South African franchise to rather earn good money playing for the Scorchers. I know the South African Rand isn’t very strong at this time, but does money mean everything in sport these days?
Wouldn’t you want to put on the jersey you always dreamt about as a kid or would you just put on any shirt that pays the bills?
As luck would have it, the Scorchers won the Big Bash so Alfonso Thomas will have another big pay day come the Champions League in September. In his defence he isn’t getting any younger, so he needs to make as much money now because his playing days won’t last forever.
But I would like to know if players play for the love of the game or just for the money.
This isn’t unique to cricket. Rugby union has the same problem, with European clubs offering insane amounts of money to high-profile players.
When those players reach a certain age I can understand why they take up those contracts, but I find it really strange when young players leave their countries in pursuit of big pay cheques.
Do those players that chase the money really care whether their new team wins or loses? I’m guessing they hope they win so they can get an even bigger pay cheque.
In the IPL, all it takes is one big knock and you are guaranteed to be signed up again next season. That’s all the players want, isn’t it? One good performance before the auction then one during the tournament and you’re safe for another year.
Would there be the same amount or fewer sportsmen if they were paid a normal salary? I’m not sure. I have a feeling there would be a lot more doctors, lawyers and accountants in today’s society.
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