Finch keen on playing in the IPL

Australian ODI skipper Aaron Finch expressed his willingness to take part in the IPL, even if it meant missing a part of the Australian domestic season. The talismanic opener, who is contracted to Victoria, was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a sum of ₹4.4 Crore in the auction preceding the 2020 season.

Finch, however, admitted that things are beyond his control at the moment, and despite his keenness, his participation in the IPL depends on obtaining a No objection Certificate from Cricket Australia. “That isn’t really up to me. I have a contract in place in the IPL and I have a contract in place with Victoria. If Cricket Australia grants the Australian players a NOC (no-objection certificate), there is every chance that we will all be able to play the IPL,” Finch told Sportstar. “But it is out of my control. At this stage, we are still planning for a World Cup until the official announcement is made.”

Finch also added that Test cricket still remains the pinnacle of the sport, saying “Test cricket is still the traditional form of cricket, so as long as cricket is being played, there will be Test cricket. A good example of this is the first cricket being played post-lockdown is Test cricket in the UK (England takes on the West Indies in a three-match Test series). I am really looking forward to watching and seeing how it all unfolds.”

The setting is going to be completely different when the Indian cricket team takes a trip down under later this year. Finch reckons that the lack of crowds might in fact favour the home team in a paradoxical way, given the amount of support the Indian team enjoys wherever it travels. “Some players thrive in the atmosphere of a big crowd, so they will have to adjust. Being professional sportsmen, we will need to learn to adapt to all conditions. India has some very passionate supporters who [make you] feel like you are playing against more than the Indian 11 players, so having no crowds will probably benefit our team.”

With the state of Victoria going into a six-week lockdown owing to a rising number of COVID-19 cases, there is speculation of the marquee Boxing day Test match between India and Australia being possibly moved out of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Finch, however, is hopeful of MCG being able to host the game. “People will make the decision that is best for cricket and that will be having as many spectators at the game as possible. The Boxing Day Test is still six months away, so a lot can happen and change. Being the proud Victorian that I am, it would be a real shame for the Test match to be moved away from Melbourne,” he said.

[Sportstar inputs]