Flintoff is in IPL to prepare for T20 World Cup

Injury-prone England all rounder Andrew Flintoff justified his decision to play the IPL instead of preserving himself for Ashes.

Injury-prone England all rounder Andrew Flintoff justified his decision to play the IPL instead of preserving himself for Ashes,saying it was crucial for him to improve Twenty20 skills ahead of the World Cup at home.

“I missed a lot of cricket through injury. I missed four weeks this winter,so the more cricket I can play now,the better for me,” Flintoff said.

“Also I think that people are losing sight of the importance of the (Twenty20) World Cup in England. The importance not just for myself,but people like Dimi Mascarenhas,KP (Kevin Pietersen) and Ravi Bopara developing the skills in this form of the game because it’s just getting bigger and better,” he was quoted as saying by the ‘Guardian’ on Saturday.

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The 31-year-old,who is the most expensive player alongside compatriot Kevin Pietersen at USD 1.55 million in the IPL,will play for the Chennai super Kings,led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Emphasising the significance of the IPL,Flintoff said it was here to stay and will be an important part of international cricket.

“We have the Twenty20 World Cup in England in a few weeks’ time and T20 cricket is something England need to improve on. We’ve not had too much success as England. I think like it or hate it – it’s going to be around for a long time. It’s going to be a big part of international cricket as well. The game has been a success since it started in England and I can only see it going from strength to strength.

“There are a few English players out here and that can only help us. The more exposure you’re going to get,the better you’re going to get. And that’s something I want to do,develop my skills and improve my game.”

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