Former Australia all-rounder did not quit for the money
Adam Gilchrist has dismissed suggestions that his decision to retire from international cricket was influenced by the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 36-year-old wicketkeeper batsman will compete for Hyderabad in the inaugural Twenty20 tournament starting on April 18.
He called it quits with Australia after the Commonwealth Bank Series in March, but has been criticised by former England all-rounder Tony Greig since.
Gilchrist has categorically denied the charges made by Greig though and has rejected the implication that the IPL played any part in his thought process.
Opportunity
"I am not sure where Tony is getting that information from but that's ill-informed," Gilchrist told the Asian Age.
"When I announced my retirement, I was not eligible to play in the IPL because there was talk of a two-year stand-off period where you weren't allowed premature retirement.
"I am happy to go on record to say it wasn't the reason I retired. It is a wonderful bonus for me that the IPL has come around at this stage and I am very excited to be a part of it, particularly in this inaugural year, and wherever it may lead to in the years to come.
"I am thrilled that I am getting this chance even though I have decided to finish my international career but I definitely didn't retire prematurely to go and chase big dollars in the IPL."
Gilchrist is set to make his first appearance for Hyderabad alongside Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds away against Kolkata on April 20.
