Date:11/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/11/stories/2008031160331700.htm

Sport - Sports : General

Dhoni dismisses big money’s side effects

— Photo: PTI

Dhoni with his pet dog.

Ranchi: India’s limited-overs cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has dismissed notions that the auction of cricketers for the Indian Premier League would affect youngsters’ performance.

“It will never affect the performance. I think the performance level will only go up. Because the cricketers are mature enough to realise that whatever they are earning or whatever their stature or fame is, it is because of cricket and I think every cricketer knows this,” Dhoni told newsmen here on Sunday.

Introduction of the IPL, he said, would help the cricketers perform better. “You cannot be famous even if you have Rs. 100 crore. But if you are a cricketer and play good cricket, you will get money, fame and everything,” he said. “It is very important to focus 100 per cent on cricket and I think the newcomers, whether from under-19 or those playing the domestic circuit, are clever enough to realise that it is cricket and not money which makes one famous,” Dhoni said.

Good team

Dhoni, a member of the Chennai outfit of the IPL, said he was looking forward to playing in the league starting on April 18.

“Our side is very good, but we have to see the availability of players,” he said. “The Chennai track is a flat one, but has a bit of bounce and is considered good for strokeplay. Some exciting cricket is possible there.” — PTI