The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 between India and England showcased thrilling cricket, but New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson has made headlines by discussing the growing tension between international cricket and the rising dominance of franchise leagues like the IPL. Ferguson, who recently opted out of New Zealand’s central contract, continues to balance his love for playing for his country and participating in lucrative T20 leagues.
Despite joining The Hundred for the Trent Rockets, Ferguson emphasized that international cricket remains his top priority, saying:
“I just think they’re finding a balance between the two, to be honest. I think some boards sort of handle it differently. But from my point of view, I’m still very committed to playing for New Zealand. I still love playing for my country. And it’s just about finding the balance, however that might be. After this, I go home and have a bit of a stint back with New Zealand. We’ve got three series back there.”
While several cricketers like Kane Williamson and Trent Boult have opted for more franchise cricket, Ferguson sees both formats as complementary, not competing. He added:
“So, hopefully take the park. As I said, it’s nice to play in your home conditions. It doesn’t happen as much as it used to, which is the good thing about playing a lot of franchise cricket. But yeah, I think from all points of view, playing World Cups is still very much the pinnacle. And although we enjoy playing franchise, I think getting back and playing for your nation is something special.”
IPL Owners’ Investment Boosts The Hundred’s Global Appeal
Ferguson’s comments come amid rising IPL investment in The Hundred, which has sparked increased interest in the league. The GMR Group, RPSG Group, and Reliance Group have all invested in various teams within the tournament, making it more franchise-driven. Ferguson finds this development exciting for the game:
“I think it’s great for the game. Obviously, first and foremost brings a lot of investment into the game, particularly in England. But, you know, clearly the IPL has run a very successful tournament for a long time. And I think the ownership groups adding that sort of knowledge and sort of making The Hundred a bit more of a franchise league in that sense is exciting for the game,” said Ferguson.
Ferguson Confident About Trent Rockets’ Success
Ferguson is optimistic about his team’s chances in The Hundred, praising the Trent Rockets’ squad. With a solid mix of experienced players and fresh talent, Ferguson believes they have everything needed to win the competition. He said:
“We’ve got a good squad. There’s no doubt about it. A good group of lads, they’ve been connecting very well early on and obviously a great ground to play at. So, yeah, we’ll look forward to the first game on Friday and take it from there. But certainly, a good group and I’m looking forward to getting on the park with them.”
Lockie Ferguson’s Balanced Approach to IPL and International Cricket
As franchise cricket continues to grow, Lockie Ferguson remains focused on striking the perfect balance between playing in leagues like the IPL and representing New Zealand on the global stage. His approach shows that while the rise of T20 leagues is undeniable, the passion for playing for one’s country remains strong for many players.
Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on Today Cricket Matches!
