Virat Kohli set for BBL stint after Test retirement? Cricket Australia CEO drops bold statement

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg has made a big statement on the participation of Indian players, especially Virat Kohli, in the Big Bash League (BBL). Greenberg stated that Cricket Australia is in discussions with the BCCI to allow Indian male cricketers to take part in the T20 competition.

The BCCI restricts male Indian cricketers from competing in overseas T20 leagues. However, the rule does not apply to women players in global franchise cricket. Stars like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues have been regular players in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

I Would Love to See Virat Kohli Playing in the BBL - Todd Greenberg

During a media interaction, Todd Greenberg revealed that discussions with the BCCI are ongoing to explore this possibility. Greenberg added that having a star like Kohli in the BBL would significantly boost crowd engagement and TV viewership.

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“We would love to welcome some Indian players to the BBL. That’s certainly some conversations that we will continue to have with the BCCI I would love to see Virat Kohli playing in the BBL this year," Greenberg said while speaking to the media during an interaction organised by Cricket Australia.

“That would certainly create some interest in crowds and ratings, I’m sure, but at the moment, that’s not happening, but we do have our ambitions to do those types of things," Greenberg added.

BCCI Restricts Indian Players from Overseas Leagues

The BCCI restricts Indian male players from joining overseas T20 leagues. Notably, the board considers the IPL a top priority, both financially and in terms of player development, and believes that allowing participation in foreign leagues could undermine its value.

Another key reason behind the restriction is the BCCI’s commitment to strengthening domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The availability of top players for these competitions helps preserve their quality and competitiveness.

Many overseas T20 leagues, including Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), often take place during India’s domestic season. The BBL starts around the third week of December, coinciding with the latter stages of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Australia Planning a Grand Farewell for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in ODIs

Todd Greenberg said that Australia will give a memorable farewell to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli if they play in Australia later this year.

“It's a massive summer of cricket highlighted by both the Indian women's and men's teams. Also the Ashes is here, and for the first time in nearly two decades, Australian cricket will be playing international matches in every single capital city and territory across the entire country, which is amazing when you think about the logistical exercise that goes with that.”

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from Test and T20 International formats over the past year. They will represent India only in ODIs.

India is scheduled to tour Australia for a three-match ODI series in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney from October 19 to 25. They will play a five-match T20I series from October 29 to November 8.

Also read: Rajeev Shukla breaks silence on succeeding Roger Binny as BCCI President