Vinod Rai suggests BCCI could allow Indian players' participation in foreign T20 leagues

Vinod Rai suggests BCCI could allow Indian players' participation in foreign T20 leagues

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Chairman of the Committee of Administrators, Vinod Rai has confirmed that the CoA is open to examining the possibility of allowing Indian players to play in the foreign T20 Leagues. Currently, the BCCI has a very strong rule and doesn’t allow any players to take part in foreign leagues.

Players from all over the world always show their eagerness to play in the lucrative Indian Premier League. However, the BCCI doesn't allow its own players to participate in the foreign leagues. But in the aftermath of the newly established Global T20 League, Cricket South Africa is hoping to get some Indian players on board and they have spoken openly about it. Now, Vinod Rai revealed that they are even thinking about the proposal and the CoA are open to have a discussion on this matter.

"I am open to examining such a proposal," Rai said as quoted by TOI. Acting BCCI president CK Khanna also showed his interest and said that the issue could be discussed at an appropriate stage.

Like IPL’s popularity, other countries also want attention for their leagues and for that they want the involvement of Indian star players. But, there are so many examples in past when the BCCI didn’t give approval to the Indian players to play in the foreign T20 leagues. Recently, Ajay Sethi, the owner of Port Elizabeth franchise, revealed that Suresh Raina wanted to be associated with the franchise in the upcoming T20 league in South Africa. 

"India should allow non-contracted players to play in other leagues as they will add huge value to the game. Suresh Raina was very keen to work with our team as an ambassador. Raina is a great player and should be given a chance to play outside. There are many like him and they make some money, family holiday and cricket connect," Sethi said.

The main fear of the BCCI is that allowing the cricketers to play outside will hamper domestic events. An unnamed board official says that they don’t want a situation like West Indies in India, where most of the top cricketers are preferring T20 cricket over the national team. If a cricketer wants to participate in the foreign leagues then he should announce his retirement.

In Indian cricket, there are so many players who are talented but don't get that much chance to showcase their exploits. Foreign franchises believe that those cricketers can play in their tournaments which will help them get international exposure and experience. 

"We would, of course, welcome Indian players with open arms. Our players and fans would welcome their participation," Haroon Lorgat, Cricket South Africa CEO, said. 

Similarly, IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders' CEO, Venky Mysore, who was instrumental in taking brand KKR to away shores by acquiring two franchises in Windies and South Africa, supported them who want to play in away T20 leagues. 

"I am stating the obvious but Indian players will be considered as foreigners in any league outside India, so if they are allowed to play, at best you might see 6-8 players being selected in those foreign leagues. In my view, young emerging players who may not be getting opportunities in IPL can be considered first with a view to providing them exposure and opportunity. That will, in turn, benefit them & Indian cricket," Mysore said.

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