BCCI Official Responds After Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan Urge Board To Allow Players To Participate In Overseas Leagues

A BCCI official has responded after Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan urged the board to allow non-contracted players to participate in overseas leagues. “I wish BCCI plans something with ICC or the franchises that Indian players get to play foreign leagues. At least allow us to play in two different foreign leagues,” Raina had said during an Instagram Live session.

“If we play quality cricket in terms of foreign leagues, then it would be good for us. All international players make a comeback by playing in all those leagues.”

Irfan Pathan had also similar opinions and said, “There is a different mindset in different countries. Michael Hussey made his debut at the age of 29 for Australia, an Indian player can never make his debut at the age of 30. I think as long as you are fit, you should be available to play for your country,” said Irfan, who had announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in January this year.

“I would suggest that all those players who are 30 years old and they are not on your radar to play international matches, you should allow them to play in foreign leagues.”

BCCI official says exclusivity of Indian cricketers is the key

According to IANS, the BCCI official said that such views emerge from players who are closing in on retirement and it is absolutely fine to have an opinion. The board official, however, said they want to maintain the exclusivity of the Indian cricketers and ensure the non-contracted player are able to command good value at the IPL.

“One usually finds these views emanating from those who can see the wall of retirement approaching and it’s only natural. That’s their view. It’s the luxury of having the freedom of a tunnel vision with a view to further their own interests and that’s absolutely fine.

“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,” the official said.

Meanwhile, out-of-favour India batsman Raina continues to be an integral part of the CSK franchise while Pathan is coaching the Jammu & Kashmir Ranji team and has also played a player-coach role for them.