‘Realistic’ Zak Crawley sets his sight firm on 2024 IPL

After a stunning Ashes, where he scored 480 runs at an average of 53.33, England opener Zak Crawley has set his sight on the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Last year, Crawley was also part of the Hobart Hurricanes setup and will be part of London Spirit’s team in the ongoing Hundred season. 

With Alex Hales’ stunning decision to retire from international cricket, there has opened up a possibility for Crawley to build upon his momentum and claim a stake to be part of the English white-ball setup. 

Crawley’s first assignment could be against West Indies in December in the aftermath of the ODI World Cup in India. The Kent opener also insisted that he would be ‘absolutely ready’ if the Three Lions pick him in the setup. 

"I'd love to go on that tour," Crawley told ESPNcricinfo. "We'll have to see how selection goes but the Caribbean is an awesome place to play - and I haven't had the chance to go on a white ball tour for England yet, so any opportunity I get would be awesome. If they want me for that tour, I'd absolutely love to go."

The 25-year-old also insisted that Big Bash League (BBL) could give him a fair chance of showing his worth in the shortest formats. 

"I'm trying to look at where I can go, which leagues, before the tour of India," he said. "I went to the Big Bash last year and loved it so if they would want me back then that would certainly be something I'd consider."

Crawley’s sight, though, is on the big tournament - the IPL and the opener insisted that it will be the perfect place for him to test his skillset against the top stars. 

"It's the biggest franchise tournament in the world," he said. "It's the only place to see all the best playing against each other. It's great cricket and to be able to test yourself in that tournament would be awesome.

But the 25-year-old is a realist and believes that he will put only his name forward if his white-ball game is at the level of the league. 

"We'll see how I go. If I score some runs and it looks like I've half a chance then, then potentially I will [put my name forward]. I'm a realistic guy though, so if I feel like there's no chance then I won't… If I was good enough one day to play in the IPL and someone wanted me, then I'd absolutely love to go."