South African pace bowler Wayne Parnell feels that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown a lot in the last few years. With the teams scoring 200 more every year, the veteran added that the level of competition has risen alarmingly. However, IPL 2023 witnessed the most number of totals of over 200 with 37, while the score of 400 runs in a match was crossed 37 times as well. The total of 257 in 20 overs scored by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) proved to be the second-highest total in IPL history as well.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Parnell said, “The last time I played in the IPL was in 2014, where you’d get a score of 200 every six or seven games. Now, teams are scoring 200 almost every other game and you’re also seeing those scores being chased down. So batting-wise, the skill level has gone up. It’s as close to international cricket as you can get – more than any other league. It’s so tough and so fierce and the level of competition is very high.”
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However, IPL 2023 was also Parnell’s first year in the IPL since 2014, after being signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the injured Reece Topley as well. He finished with nine scalps in seven matches at 26.22 as well.
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“As a younger player, playing for South Africa is the ultimate thing, or playing in the IPL is the ultimate thing. Playing in all these leagues is amazing. But when you have kids, it puts a different spin on life. Cricket is a game. I still go out and try my best but when I’m done playing, no one is going to think of me. The game is going to move on. There are going to be other superstars coming through. As a player you are just part of the conveyor belt, but when you are on it, you have to enjoy it,” Wayne Parnell concluded.
