Indian Cricketers Likely to Play in England's 100-Ball Tournament: Report

Indian Cricket team players do not ply their trade in overseas franchise cricket. However, they are likely to feature in the in the ‘Hundred’ ball tournament, which starts in England in 2020.

Meanwhile, a report in Dailymail.co.uk states that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering to leave their players for the league in England.

“India’s all-powerful cricket authority, the BCCI, which bans its players from overseas T20 tournaments to protect their market-leading Indian Premier League, are understood to be considering making an exception for the Hundred because it is played over 100 balls compared to 120,” the newspaper maintained.

The report moreover revealed BCCI will use this as a bargaining chip for negotiations around an IPL franchise in London.

“Having Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and other top Indians playing would be an immense boost for the Hundred in its inaugural year, especially when England’s Test players will not feature. It would also be a helpful bargaining chip for future negotiations around an IPL franchise in London,” the Daily Mail report added.

However, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has only softened their stand on the IPL over the years. Previously, it was rare to find an English cricketer in the cash-rich league, however, it has changed now.

Ben Stokes bagged the most amount of money in the last two edition of the league. Further, players like Jos Buttler is getting a national call based on their performance in the tournament.

Team India is scheduled to play a gruelling five-match Test series in England. Also, it would be important how things would pan out for the visiting side.

Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see the final decision of Indian Board.

The series will be kicking off with a Twenty20 Internationals on July 3 at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Also read: Washington Sundar keen to make use of IPL experience in England