IPL 2025: Dinesh Karthik justifies BCCI’s ban on Indian cricketers playing in overseas leagues
Published - 17 Feb 2025, 03:37 PM | Updated - 17 Feb 2025, 11:35 PM
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Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has sparked a huge debate with his bold statement, claiming that the Indian Premier League (IPL) should remain the "crown jewel" of the world cricket for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Dinesh Karthik strongly backed the BCCI’s policy and said that the Indian cricketers should not be allowed to play in overseas leagues unless they are retired to keep the legacy of the IPL intact. The wicketkeeper-batter emphasized that the IPL has its unique identity in global cricket and must retain its crown as the world’s number-one T20 league.
Dinesh Karthik says Indian players shouldn't play in overseas leagues
Karthik, who recently became the first Indian player to participate in the SA20 after retiring from domestic cricket, including the IPL, suggested that if a player feels he has done enough in Indian cricket, he should retire and participate in the overseas leagues. However, he is against the idea that BCCI players should allow Indian players to play in the overseas leagues.
Dinesh Karthik said, “I am a big believer that the IPL should be the crown jewel for the BCCI. It is at the moment. The IPL is the crown jewel of world cricket. For that to maintain their status quo as No. 1, I believe Indian cricketers shouldn't be allowed to play in overseas leagues unless they are retired. The players can take their call, because if they feel they are done with IPL, they can move on to other leagues. I completely stand along with the BCCI on that front.”
There is enough for players in India: Dinesh Karthik
Many feel the BCCI should give exposure to young players while allowing them to play in the overseas leagues, but Karthik argued that India already offers plenty of opportunities. With strong domestic cricket, state franchise leagues, and IPL, the commentator said that the Indian players won’t have any problems both financially and professionally.
Dinesh Karthik signed off by saying, “I agree you can always argue, asking, 'Should youngsters be given an opportunity (to play in overseas leagues)?' But I think there is enough and more in India in terms of competition and ways of being secure financially. The IPL is a great platform. There is good domestic cricket and all the state franchise leagues as well that's happening right now as we speak.”
BCCI announces schedule for the IPL 2025
Meanwhile, the BCCI has officially unveiled the schedule for the 18th edition of the IPL. The upcoming season is set to begin on March 22 with an exciting clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
While Qualifier 1 and Eliminator will be held in Hyderabad, the grand finale will also take place at the same venue on May 25. This season will be a thrilling 65-day event, featuring 74 matches across 13 different venues. The league stage will run from March 22 to May 18, followed by the high-stakes playoffs from May 20 to May 25.
