IPL has the ability to generate international fan bases, says Hayden

Sydney, Nov 21(ANI): Former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden has said the Indian Premier League (IPL) has set a standard for Twenty20 tournaments, and it also has the ability to match major tournaments around the world.

"The IPL is the world's premier T20 competition outside of the World Cups, and has the ability to generate international fan bases in the same way as achieved by the English Football Premiership," The Australian quoted Hayden, as saying.

"By giving fans the best chance to view on TV, and even maybe hosting games outside of India, I think the IPL can flourish internationally," he added.

The 36-year-old further said that he wants to clearly define Test cricket, ODI's and Twenty20 into different formats of the game to ensure that Test cricket regains its elite standing.

"I'd hate to think we're having the same debate (of Test cricket fading) in 20 years. It's a great game with three wonderful formats, which give us a chance to globalize it. I want to promote the game from a different way of thinking," Hayden said.

Hayden will play in a Twenty20 match between an All Star team and Australia XI on Sunday, which will launch the Australian summer of Test cricket for the second year in a row. (ANI)