Responding to Suresh Raina‘s comments, asking that Indian players be allowed to compete in overseas T20 leagues, a BCCI official has dismissed the suggestion, saying the board has no intentions of allowing Indian cricketers to participate in any kind of overseas league, irrespective of the format.
Raina had urged the board to consider giving permission to players that are not centrally contracted to get overseas experience, which he felt would improve the quality of India’s T20 cricketers and improve the country’s standing in the shortest format.
“From the point of view of the board and the interests of Indian cricket, the intent is to ensure a system where the non-contracted players are able to command good value at the IPL auction. Exclusivity is the key.”
As per the current regulations, no Indian involved in any form of cricket within the country is allowed to travel overseas for T20 leagues. This rule does not apply for first-class and List A cricket, which means that an Indian cricketer can play in the County Championship and the One-Day Cup. However, participation in the T20 Blast is barred.
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The BCCI official extended the condition to investments by franchise owners, too, saying that foreign investment works against the principle objective of trying to revive the Indian economy. His remarks come on the heels of reports that the owners of Kolkata Knight Riders, Red Chillies Entertainment, who also have stake in the Caribbean Premier League in the form of Trinbago Knight Riders, are considering investing in The Hundred.
“The time has instead arrived where investment in foreign leagues by those who have a stake in the IPL would have to be restricted as that flies in the face of the principles of conflict propounded by the Apex Court, and in these circumstances, every bit of Indian money is required to boost the Indian economy, rather than boosting foreign economies.”
