Irish cricketer Kevin disappointed at missing IPL

New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) Ireland cricketer Kevin O'Brien, who holds the record for the fastest century in the World Cup, is disappointed at missing the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Irishman went unsold in the IPL auction despite his heroics in the 2011 World Cup. Riding on Kevin's 50-ball century, Ireland caused the biggest upset in the World Cup as they defeated England.

"I was a little disappointed, actually upset, at not being part of IPL. It would have helped me grow. I will look forward to next year's edition. Meanwhile I would like to concentrate on my other works. I will cross this bridge as my value as a cricketer has gone up in recent times," said Kevin on the sidelines of the launch of his book "Six after Six".

Kevin said his value as cricketer as gone up since signing contracts with Nottinghamshire and the delayed Twenty20 tournament Sri Lankan Premier League.

"Cricket in Ireland is growing. In last four-five years it has doubled with school children and colleges adopting the game," he said.

Kevin also said the huge population of immigrants from India and Pakistan have also helped in the expansion of the game in Ireland.

"Asians played a great role in expansion of game in Ireland. The clubs back in Ireland have a big number of Sri Lankans, Indians and Pakistanis," he said.

Kevin said India's first World cup winning captain Kapil Dev has been his role model but he admires Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni as well.

"In my early days I used to follow Kapil Dev a lot. And in 2005 I specially visited England to watch Andrew Flintoff in action against Australia in the Ashes. In fact I can relate to both Andrew and Kapil very well as they are all-rounders like me. The likes of Dhoni and Sachin too have motivated me a lot," he said.