Yuvraj Singh, a former India all-rounder who won the World Cup, stated on Thursday that cricket players should start playing golf at a young age to manage the stress of their main job.

After retiring, Yuvraj became an enthusiastic golfer and was chosen as the second Indian Golf Premier League's brand ambassador.

"They (cricketers) should play golf along with cricket. I should have played golf earlier, which would have helped me in cricket. Golf actually helps you unwind, take stress out of you," Yuvraj said at the unveiling event of the IGPL. 

"For example, all foreign cricketers, Australians, Kiwis, English, South Africans, all have been playing golf since they were young kids."

Yuvraj said golf is considered an elite sport, but it's a game that is accessible to all through public courses.

"We see golf as an elite sport, but we want every kid in India to try golf. We are trying to take golf to schools. What I feel is that every child should try every sport. I know cricket is our biggest game, but golf is also an exciting game, which everyone should try. As someone who has represented India, I want to help in other sports as well," he added.

Speaking about the IGPL, Yuvraj believed that it would help golf grow in India. The former Indian star added that it will also encourage the Indians kids to pick up the sport at an early age.

"The league (IGPL) will make this game exciting, make noise about the sport. More kids will pick up the sport, watch it on TV and will get encouraged to play. It will create money in the sport, and help in securing the future of kids, and it is our responsibility." Yuvraj said.

IGPL announce squad for ten franchises

Ten franchises and fifteen events will be held throughout the year in this year's IGPL, including five international competitions in Mauritius, the Congo, South Africa, and two in Morocco.

The IGPL has also been integrated with the professional tour.

Thursday's event was also attended by tennis great Leander Paes, who is a co-owner of the Kolkata franchise in the league, and IGPL CEO Uttam Singh Mundy. 

(With PTI Input)