IPL is one of the oldest franchise leagues which started in 2008. The popularity of t20 cricket had increased a lot in India and around the world after the start of the IPL. T20 cricket leagues had started around the world just before the IPL but they were not franchise leagues they were domestic cricket competitions, but they did give a chance to many franchises to spot players who had not started playing international cricket but were talented and could contribute towards the success of the team. Many franchises had international coaches which helped the franchises spot such talented cricketers. Some of the talented international cricketers who made their IPL debut before making their international debut are as follows.
1. Shaun Marsh – Australia IPL Debut Punjab Kings 2008
Shaun Marsh made his IPL debut for Punjab Kings in 2008 he was the orange cap holder of that IPL season. He scored 616 runs in 11 games of that season. He made his international debut for Australia in June 2008 against the West Indies. He played for the Punjab Kings until 2017 and did not play IPL after that. He continued to play international cricket till 2019. He retired from domestic cricket in March this year.
2. Dominic Thornely – Australia IPL Debut Mumbai Indians 2008
Dominic Thornely never played international cricket for Australia but played in the IPL for Mumbai Indians this was his first and last IPL season. He played domestic cricket for New South Wales, Hampshire and Surrey and retired from cricket in 2013 after the big bash where he has represented Sydney Sixers.
3. Mitchal Marsh – Australia IPL Debut Hyderabad Decan Chargers 2010
Mitchal Marsh is the younger brother of Shaun Marsh. He made his international debut in 2011 but made his IPL debut in 2010 for the Hyderabad Decan Chargers. He is currently part of the Australian cricket team and has played IPL for Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiants and Delhi Capitals.
4. Luke Ronchi Australia And New Zealand IPL Debut Mumbai Indians 2008
Luke Ronchi played for Mumbai Indians in the 2008 and 2009 IPL. He made his international debut for Australia against the West Indies in June 2008 after the IPL. He later played for New Zealand from 2013 to 2017. He last played an international game for the world eleven in 2018 against the West Indies. He has retired from cricket and is now involved in coaching.
5. Aaron Finch – Australia IPL Debut Rajasthan Royals 2010
Aaron Finch made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals in 2010 before making his international debut for Australia in 2011 against England. He has played the IPL for Pune Warriors, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers of Bangalore, and Kolkata Knight Riders apart from Rajasthan Royals. He led Australia to the ICC World T20 title in 2021. He retired from international cricket in 2022 and now plays franchise t20 leagues.
6. Glenn Maxwell – Australia IPL Debut Delhi Capitals 2012
Glenn Maxwell the explosive all-rounder of the Australian cricket team made his IPL debut in 2012 for the Delhi Capitals before making his international debut in August 2012 against Afghanistan. He is one of the most popular players in the IPL and has played for Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore apart from Delhi Capitals.
7. Michael Neser- Australia IPL Debut Punjab Kings 2013
Michael Neser made his IPL debut for Punjab Kings against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013. This was his only game and season in the IPL. He made his international debut for Australia against England in 2018. He last played for Australia in 2022. He is a fast-bowling all-rounder who currently plays for Queensland in Australian domestic cricket.
8. Kevon Cooper – West Indies IPL Debut Rajasthan Royals 2012
Kevon Cooper is a fast-bowling all-rounder of the West Indies. He has never played international cricket for his national side but has been part of many t20 leagues around the world as a freelance cricketer. He played for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL from 2012- 2014.
9. Graham Napier – England IPL Debut Mumbai Indians 2009
Graham Napier never played international cricket for his country but was known for his explosive batting and fast bowling in domestic limited overs cricket for his side Essex. He played a single game for Mumbai Indians in his first and last season of the IPL in 2009. He was in the national squad for the 2009 t20 world cup but did not get a game in the tournament.
10. Dewald Brevis – South Africa IPL Debut Mumbai Indians 2022
He is known as baby AB as his batting style resembles AB De Villiers, he is an explosive right-handed batter who can also bowl spin. He gained popularity because of his batting style in the 2022 under 19 world cup and was picked by Mumbai Indians in the 2022 IPL auction. He played 7 games for Mumbai Indians in the 2022 IPL. He has played a few t20 leagues and has entertained the crowd with his explosive batting. He has not played international cricket but might get to debut for his national side soon.
Many cricketers are not able to make to their national side because of immense competition in the squad but end up using franchise cricket as a platform to showcase their skill to either catch the attention of the national selectors and play international cricket or have a good freelance t20 career.
