3 Associate Member players who deserve to be in the IPL

IPL has carved a niche for itself as being a platform that unifies international and local players. Apart from drawing big names from top-ranked cricket playing countries, the league has also seen players from associate nations represent various franchises.

In addition to providing an opportunity for the associate members to exhibit their talents, IPL has also aided in their growth and has, in turn, helped enhance their skills. By rubbing shoulders with many top-ranked players of the world, the associate members have been able to learn some tricks of the trade.

Playing in front of thousands of spectators has encouraged them to give their best on the field. Additionally, IPL has helped the players to experience pressure situations and has also taught them how to come out trumps.

Over the years, several prominent associate members have made a mark for themselves and for their countries. Ryan Ten Doeschate from The Netherlands (KKR), Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman from Afghanistan (SRH and KXIP) and Sandeep Lamichhane from Nepal (DC) have played significant roles in the success of their respective franchises.

While Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeed Ur Rahman and Sandeep Lamichhane are a part of the current IPL as well, Ryan Ten Doeschate played for KKR from 2011 to 2015. Although Chirag Suri (UAE) got drafted into the Gujarat Lions squad, he did not get an opportunity to feature in the playing XI.

On the other hand, several talents from associate countries who are yet to be a part of the cash-rich league, have the potential to turn games on their heads. If provided an opportunity, these players can not only churn out match-winning performances, but can also develop the quality of their games and earn international recognition.

Here’s a look at three highly skilled players who ought to land an IPL contract.

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#1 Calum MacLeod

Scotland's Calum MacLeod

Scotland’s top-order batsman Calum MacLeod made heads turn when he smashed a match winning 140 not out off just 94 balls against England in a recent ODI. He has replicated his ODI success in the T20 formats as well.

From the 36 innings that he has played in, he has scored 719 runs at an impressive strike rate of 108.12. Also, MacLeod has a terrific domestic T20 record having scored 2513 runs in 99 innings, hitting 251 fours and 58 sixes.

MacLeod's stellar 157 in the World Cup Qualifiers against Afghanistan, a team that boasts of top spinners like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, earned him a Derbyshire contract for the T20 blast.

He also landed a contract with the Paktia Panthers of Afghanistan Premier League. His prolific run also saw him win the esteemed “ICC Associate Cricketer of the year” award in 2018. It is, hence, no surprise that, given an opportunity, MacLeod can make a mark in the IPL too.

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#2 Babar Hayat

Babar Hayat

When he batted his way to the record books by scoring 122 against Oman, Babar Hayat from Hong Kong recorded the highest ever score made in the second innings of a T20 match. That scintillating knock is also the second highest score ever in T20 and the first highest among the associate nations.

Scoring at a strike rate of 124.94, he has 541 runs under his belt from the 24 innings that he has played in. He also has the ability to remain calm under pressure. When 16 runs were needed off the final over against Afghanistan, he took his team home and in turn helped Hong Kong qualify for the 2016 WT20.

Hayat has always made the best use of whatever limited opportunities that have come his way. Representing Biratnagar Warriors in the Nepal Premier League T20, he emerged as the highest run getter of the tournament. He also ended the Hong Kong T20 Blitz as the third highest run scorer. A stint in the IPL will definitely help Hayat grow as a player and in turn aid in the development of Hong Kong cricket.

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#3 Mark Watt

Scotland v England - ODI

When Scotland faced the Netherlands in a one-off T20 in 2016, the former could manage only a below par 140 off their 20 overs. The paltry score had swung the match in favour of the Dutch.

However, Scotland left-arm spinner Mark Watt triggered a collapse helping his team win by 37 runs. His match winning 5/27 unsurprisingly won him the “player of the match” award that night. Mark Watt has been in form ever since, playing crucial roles in his team’s successes.

Watt has not only flourished as a wicket-taker, but also as a highly economical bowler. In February this year, he guided his team to the “Oman Quadrangular Series” victory, by picking up 3/20 from his stipulated four overs conceding a miserly 5.00 runs per over in the finals.

In the 24 innings that he has bowled in till now, he has scalped 29 wickets at an extraordinary strike rate of 18.41 balls per wicket, giving away only 7.43 runs per over bowled.

Moreover, his 3/55 in a winning cause against England in 2018, has won him a Derbyshire contract for this 2019 season.

Making a mark as a bowler in a format loaded highly in favour of the batsmen speaks volumes about Watt’s talent. Therefore, saying that his T20 exploits can be a viable option for the IPL in the future will not be an overstatement.

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