It is not too long before this knighted bowler was the nemesis of David Gower. Even a certain Sunil Gavaskar was found to have knightmarish days as he would swing both ways. Unlucky to be born in a weak cricketing nation (extremely weak until then), Sir Richard Hadlee carried the baton home for New Zealand lonely on quite a few occasion.

He could not succeed too much in World Cups but his performances against Austalia has been stuff of legend. He was a sprightly swinger of the ball and competed with the famed trio of Imran Khan, Kapil Dev and Ian Botham.

He retired being the highest wicket taker in Test cricket, a performace that woud stand like a beacon for players to come. Now that Muttiah Murlidharan is nearing 800 wickets in tests, he has to thank Richard Hadlee for showing him the way.  He is the executive consultant of APL.

American premier league is hitting off in October 2009. It is the brainchild of Jay Mir, CEO of American Sports And Entertainment Group. Inc. Already, there is a lot of flutter regarding it and the media has been giving it kind attention. It is all in the fitness of things. The event is unfurling on the heels of T20 mania. IPL is doing exceedingly well in times that the column is being written.

For those who thought that IPL drew the entire craze in its inaugural edition owing to Indian venues, its time to rethink, the South African grounds are running to packed houses. This is why the American edition, to be held at Staten Island, NY, is expected to be a big affair too.

Richard Hadlee, former legend and among the very few to be knighted has already confirmed to being the executive consultant. He was besought for the post of board member and it is believed that his boarding the APL bus would provide the event a lot of credibility. APL requires the stamp of experts as the event is surely drawing a lot of ICC wrath. This is chiefly because the event stars many cricketers of the ICL (rebel league).

Along with Richard Hadlee, another New Zealand recruits include Nathan Astle and Chris Harris. Adam Parore might join soon too. Richie Richardson is another past celebrity who is adding a lot of flesh to the League. He will be chief recruiter as well as the coach of Premium West Indies.

American Premier League is the dream child of entrepreneur Jay Mir. He is the CEO of American Sports And Entertainment Group. Inc. The man has been clairvoyant enough to believe that there is a lacuna left in American sports and that can be duly filled by cricket. Yes, it would be difficult for the Americans to love the test variant straightaway or find time for the one-day format, but T20 is a big hit everywhere.

It draws magnificent crowds wherever it’s played. Already, the IPL is a huge hit and sponsors are walking the merry slope of banks. APL might lack in crowd support but it amply makes up for it with venue selection and its expert panel. To be played at Staten Island (New York), the stadium will be set against Statue of Liberty and River Hudson.

American premier League has called upon the services of Ex-West Indian Coach Richie Richardson. He will be donning the mantle of coach of Premium West Indies side and also be the recruiter. The board has sought Sir Richard Hadlee for being one of the Board Members. Already, he has confirmed for the designation of Executive Consultant.

With a player like him, widely respected in cricketing circles, joining the APL, the league will draw a lot of credibility. It needs a lot of it as APL has drawn the wrath of ICC and might emerge as the second Rebel League post ICL.