06 July,2010 08:04 AM IST | | Debasish Datta
The fourth edition of the Indian Premier League will be interesting for a variety of reasons. It has to be, considering the Indian cricket board's plan to put more emphasis on cricket rather than other activities that attracted criticism in the last edition.
It could also be a tournament that would involve father and sons. Geoff Marsh, the former Australian batting stalwart was announced as coach of the Sahara Pune Warriors in Lucknow yesterday. Geoff's sons Shaun (Kings XI Punjab) and Mitchell (Deccan Chargers) were part of the 2010 IPL.
Geoff was delighted that he got an opportunity to be part of Indian cricket after he was consultant of the Board in 2001. However, he was not picked when it came to the appointment of India's first foreign coach. Greg Chappell too missed out and John Wright got the job which he kept for four years. "Being given the job as coach of a franchise is a dream come true for me. I always wanted to be involved ever since the IPL concept began and I grabbed this opportunity," said Marsh.
The next edition could see a lot of changes with regards to teams. Would he want his son Shaun, who made such a good impression in the 2008 edition, play for his team? "I can't really say. It doesn't depend on me. I will treat it as it comes," he said.
Geoff has had the honour of being part of an Australian World Cup-winning team (1987) and also coaching Australia to a World Cup triumph ufffd in 1999. He coached Zimbabwe in the 2003 World Cup so the Pune franchise has chosen well. Former England all-rounder Dermot Reeve will be his deputy.
Marsh signed off by saying he would put a lot of emphasis on fitness and fielding.
