Yuvraj to emerge as a better leader and cricketer after IPL: Maxwell

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) With eight foreign players in the side, Yuvraj Singh will emerge as a better player and will improve his leadership skills as well, CEO of IPL's Mohali team, Neil Maxwell said today.

''Yuvraj will benefit with the presence of these (foreign) players,'' Maxwell told UNI over phone from Mumbai.

''Players like Jayawerdene, Sangakkara, Brett Lee and even Simon Katich will boost this team and will help Yuvraj to become a better cricketer.'' ''Leading a side that has players of this caliber and who have a fair amount of experience in captaincy, will definitely help him (Yuvraj) improve his leadership skills,'' he added.

Maxwell, a former Australian all-rounder was on Tuesday appointed the chief executive officer (CEO) of the India Premier League's (IPL) Mohali team.

S Sreesanth, whose on-field behaviour was widely appreciated during India's recent tour Down Under, will also be part of the Mohali team.

The 40-year-old Maxwell seemed happy with Sreesanth's inclusion in the side and said, ''Sreesanth is a wonderful player. Aggression is something that is natural.

''He plays best when he is focused on the game.

''We will encourage him to be focused and I am sure we'll be able to get best out of him.'' He also exuded satisfaction with the ICC's decision to accommodate IPL in the international calendar.

''IPL is going to play a significant role in cricket calendar.

''With so many players opting for IPL it was necessary to take this decision so as to save careers of some of the great international stars,'' he said.

Maxwell further added that the Mohali team, co-owned by Bollywood actor Preity Zinta, has great players in it. But he also warned that in Twenty20 format any team can pose a threat on it's day.

''We have a balanced team with some of the best players in it. ''In Twenty20 cricket you don't need the biggest names any team can be dangerous on it's day.'' Maxwell, who represented Australia 'A' as well as New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria state teams, is a part of Mohali's core management group and will oversee the operations and work towards the team's brand building.

''With such vibrant cultures here, we will look to embrace the Punjabi community and that is a part of our marketing strategy,'' he said.

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