New Delhi,  As the 15th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) got underway in Mumbai on Saturday, media analyst and former member of Team India, Madan Lal, has a piece of advice for all the young cricketers who are participating in the cash-rich league.

Many of India's U-19 World Cup winning stars have struck gold at the IPL mega auctions in February. Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Raj Bawa and team captain Yash Dhull were all picked by different franchises.

Hangargekar, the India U-19 allrounder, entered the auction at a base price of Rs 30 lakh. As Mumbai Indians placed their bet in a bid to fill Hardik Pandya's void, Lucknow Super Giants and Chennai Super Kings too threw their hats into the ring. Eventually, it was four-time winners CSK who roped in the youngster for Rs 1.5 crore.

Another all-rounder, Bawa, who had a base price of Rs 20 lakh, was picked by Punjab Kings for Rs 2 crore after a bidding war with Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians.

Meanwhile, the team captain, Dhull, was picked by his home franchise Delhi Capitals for Rs 50 lakh.

After watching these players earn handsome pay cheques in their maiden IPL auctions, 1983 World Cup hero Madan Lal said he feels happy for them.

However, he suggested that "these young cricketers should not forget from where they have come".

"The state (in Ranji), domestic cricket and playing for the country should always be their focus. I am happy that these young cricketers got selected in the IPL, but the BCCI could have waited for a couple of more years before adding their names to the auction list.

"There are many cricketers who are playing in the IPL with full dedication, but when it comes to Ranji, either they are unavailable or the same zeal is missing. So my advice to all the young cricketers who are playing in IPL is never forget from where you came, which state made you and the country above all," Madan Lal told IANS.

The former all-rounder also congratulated the Indian cricket board for successfully holding the IPL over the years.

"I really believe that the BCCI did a fantastic job in holding the IPL despite the Covid-19 pandemic or other issues. Not a single season has been missed. This is good for making a brand consistent. Young cricketers are getting a chance to perform and interact with senior players... Some have performed brilliantly in both the IPL and for the country," he said.

"So, IPL is a platform to learn and progress," he added.